Staff member spotlight: Youth Practitioner Sawee Bero

We caught up for a chat with Sawee Bero who has worked with ATSICHS Brisbane for almost five years in a few different roles, most recently as Youth Practitioner. 

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I was born in Mackay in North Queensland and grew up on the North East Coastline of Queensland from Mackay up to Horn Island and Darwin Northern Territory. I am a proud Kaantju (Lockhart River) Komet/Meuram ( Murray Island) Saisarem (Darnely Island) and Sobogu (Parama Island PNG) man from a very strong cultural heritage. I’m a family man outside of work and enjoy coaching rugby league and rugby union within the community. I’m very passionate about encouraging children in engaging in community sports and when I am not involved in sports I am at the beach fishing.

How long have you been at ATSICHS Brisbane?

I started my employment with ATSICHS Brisbane in June 2019 as the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker at Loganlea Clinic. I have had a few roles in ATSICHS from being an ATSI Health Worker, Practice Support Supervisor and currently in the Family Wellbeing Youth Service as a Youth Practitioner.

Why did you choose to work for ATSICHS Brisbane?

I worked in the construction, security and warehousing industries for many years and wanted to change and help my family and community, so I started my journey in the health industry in becoming an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker where I completed my practical placement and started with ATSICHS Brisbane.

Could you tell us more about what your role involves?

As a Youth Practitioner our service provides early intervention for young people and assists them in navigating through various challenges that they may face. We provide practical support and guidance on a range of issues including education, relationships and mental health. We also host and coordinate community benefit programs for young people, such as hosting recreational programs and community education initiatives. We also help coordinate and run local events, sports initiatives and crisis support programs.

What is the most rewarding part of your role?

The most rewarding part of my role is seeing firsthand the positive impact we youth practitioners have made in the young person’s life and the outcomes that the young people have achieved through our services.

Why do you think it’s important to support our young people to achieve their goals?

It’s important for us to support our young people in achieving their goals as it is part of our role and we empower young people to always better themselves.

What is something you are most proud of?

I am very proud of how far I have come learning different roles and growing as a person to encourage my family and my children in being a positive role model. I am also proud of being a positive role model to the young people in our program and also being able to assist my team members regarding our medical services.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, playing sports and gardening when I get the chance. I am currently in the process of starting my own sporting academy for young people to upskill in different sports.

Keeping my family healthy and active and sharing my passion for sports.

What is your most unique talent?

I am very passionate in what I do every day.

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?

I would complete my tour around Australia, which includes WA and Tasmania. I would also like to take my children to their homeland in New Zealand and then one day take them to the Torres Strait and Papua New Guinea.