Fabulous Phoebe
Phoebe Renfree with ANFPP graduate and Family Partnership Worker, Marisa Smiler-Cairns and her second baby, Mathew (Marisa is on maternity leave). “I was there at the delivery which was lovely - I also work at Katherine District Hospital, part-time as a midwife. We have been colleagues; I was Marisa's nurse home visitor; and at bubba’s birth - the beauty of care with a known provider!” says Phoebe.
Phoebe Renfree is an experienced nurse/midwife who has recently joined the Australian Nurse-Family Partnership Program at Wurli-Wurlinjang Aboriginal Health Service in Katherine, Northern Territory.
We asked Phoebe a few questions to get to know her better:
Where is your mob from?
I'm originally from south-west Queensland. I grew up on a sheep and cattle property eight hours west of Brisbane…in the sticks!
What was it like growing up and what was your family life like?
I had an isolated upbringing but loved being on the property. My brother and I did school of the air with mum as our teacher and then I went to boarding school six hours away from home from 11 years old.
Who have been your strongest influences in life?
Myself! My parents, my aunty that I lived with for a while in Brisbane, clients that I have helped along the way in nursing and midwifery career.
What are your career goals?
To get satisfaction from interacting with people and helping people.
How would friends and family describe you?
Strong, independent, loyal, hard-working, friendly.
What are you most proud of accomplishing?
My two kids and getting through the tough journey as premature babies!
What would you do differently if you had a chance?
Find a way to get to bed earlier!
What is something about yourself that you want to improve?
Asking for help.
What are your favourite things you like to do?
Exercise, be in nature, have a cup of tea, yoga, snorkelling, art.
Why did you join ANFPP?
Because I like the idea of establishing deeper relationships and assisting vulnerable populations.
CONTACT US
Molly Wardaguga Research Centre | Charles Darwin University
phone: +61 7 3169 4283 or 0448 570 503
The Australian Nurse-Family Partnership Program (ANFPP) National Support Service (NSS) acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands and waters on which we live and work. We pay respect to elders past and present. We further acknowledge that Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people and communities are diverse and dynamic and continue to evolve and develop in response to historical and present social, economic, cultural and political circumstances.
Diversity includes gender, age, languages, backgrounds, sexual orientations, religious beliefs, family responsibilities, marriage status, life and work experiences, personality and educational levels (Commonwealth of Australia, 2013)