Think HQ has joined forces with the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) to launch a campaign aimed at encouraging Aboriginal people to consider careers in the Aboriginal health and wellbeing sector.

The campaign leverages the concept of Aboriginal people having 65,000 years of experience, positioning this as a key qualification for a career in health.

The work was developed through conversations with Indigenous health industry professionals, revealing that many Aboriginal people may not realise their life experience qualifies them for jobs in Aboriginal health. The campaign includes a video series directed by Wiradjuri Director Jack Steele and a team of First Nation creators, featuring real-life stories of Aboriginal healthcare professionals.

"Collaborating with Think HQ was a great process of combining cultural and creative expertise," said Abe Ropitini, Executive Director, Population Health, VACCHO. "From concept development through to production, the Think HQ team – which included First Nations people – was able to translate our initial yarns into a powerful concept, which was then brought to life through beautiful design, photography, and film production. We are excited to continue expanding the campaign even further,"

Lisa Gumbleton, Group Head of Creative Strategy at Think HQ, said: "The best care comes from empathy without judgement, and when people receiving care can connect with someone who understands them. That makes lived experience an important prerequisite to a career in Aboriginal health, yet people didn’t really understand the different roles and career pathways available to them. Our campaign seeks to tap into their passion for health and desire to help their community by showing a career in health could be the right one for them."

The campaign also includes a poster series and three audio assets, which will be disseminated online, on social media, and on the radio. A dedicated hub provides information on starting a career in Aboriginal health, including resources and job opportunities.

"Some might be put off by the belief that they don’t have the prerequisites for a career in healthcare. But they do," said Sam McCarron, Think HQ Associate Creative Director. "Health and wellbeing knowledge in Aboriginal culture goes back further than any knowledge in the world. It was important that we worked with First Nations creators and creatives to help communicate this with the heart and nuance it deserved."

The campaign is part of the Victoria Aboriginal Health & Wellbeing Workforce Strategy 2022-26 launched by VACCHO in 2022. The campaign will run until 31 March 2025.