Chranise Traianou, a UWA Biomedical Science student, recently helped make a unique awareness-raising event possible through her McCusker Centre for Citizenship internship with the North Metropolitan Health Service.
“I worked with my supervisor to plan and organise an event called Ride for Life, where health professionals biked or walked from Victoria Gardens to the QEII Medical Centre to raise awareness for climate change and sustainability,” Chranise said.
“This is an important issue that is not widely talked about. Through this event, Department of Health professionals were encouraged to consider how their actions affect the environment and implement more sustainable practices in their workplaces,
“The event ran smoothly, and it was great to see so many health professionals involved,” she said.
NMHS Director Innovation and Development, Susan Powe, said sustainability was a key strategic priority for the North Metropolitan Health Service.
“This was the first time an Australian location had participated in this global event, so it was really important that we delivered it successfully,” she said.
“Our goal was to raise awareness amongst health professionals about climate and environmental sustainability.”
Ms Powe said Chranise assisted throughout all phases of the project from early planning to attending and coordinating activities throughout the event.
“Chranise quickly adapted to working in a professional environment, actively engaging in project event planning from her first day; she participated in team meetings and showed confidence and maturity in her actions,” she said.
“The McCusker Centre Internship Program provides great opportunities to venture out into the work force and gain real experience in new and exciting areas.”
Chranise said the project had opened her eyes to working in a professional environment and helped her connect with a variety of professionals within government health organisations.
“This was a valuable experience that helped me grow in professionally while also being able to give back to the community,” she said.
“Working in climate and sustainability, it broadened my perspective on how my everyday actions impact the environment and what I can do to live a more sustainable life, both at home and in the workplace.”