Queensland Women’s Week (3 – 14 March) recognises and celebrates the achievements of Queensland’s women and girls strengthening our communities to create a more equal Queensland where everyone is valued.
Throughout the week we will be celebrating the women of Mackay HHS for their dedication to caring for our communities.
Hinterland Mental Health and Alcohol and Other Drugs team leader Joanne Mulcahy shares her story on why she is passionate about mental health and her interests outside of work.
Joanne has called Moranbah home for 12 years after completing her nurse graduate program with Mackay HHS in 2008 at Clermont MPHS.
“I started as the School Based Youth Health Nurse in Moranbah and Glenden while I studied my post graduate subjects for Treatment of Psychoactive Substance Abuse and subsequently moved in to the Alcohol and Other Drugs clinical nurse role,” Joanne said.
“Mental illnesses are as treatable and manageable as any other illness and I’m passionate about reducing the stigma that continues to surround these.
“I love helping the community that I live in. I feel that I can help make a difference for those experiencing mental illness or addictions by leading a professional and dedicated team of mental health clinicians.”
In her spare time Joanne is focused on improving her health and fitness after being diagnosed with an auto immune disorder.
“I was looking to do some swimming and cardio to strengthen my lungs and body so I set a goal for myself to complete the Moranbah Triathlon,” she said.
“Training for triathlons provides a good variety of exercise that I can involve my kids with or just from my lounge room.”
Competing in the Moranbah Triathlon gave Joanne a sense of achievement and brought out a competitive edge to challenge herself more.
“After that first event I felt exhilarated and started looking at other events around the region.
“It’s a very personal thing for me to do the same few events each year and simply try to beat my previous time.
“The women doing triathlons are always so encouraging and supportive of one another and I love teaching my boys that there are healthy ways to manage health and stress.”
Joanne said the 2021 Queensland Women’s Week theme Celebrate our present. Own our future reflects her own aim to focus on health and wellbeing while inspiring other women in the community.
“You don’t know what you can achieve until you challenge yourself. Choose a goal and work towards it.”
