Robert Bonfield 

The Opportunity That Changed My Direction 

After working in a hospital in Queensland, moving to Victoria made it difficult for me to secure work in the aged care sector without upgrading my qualifications. 

As a single parent raising two young children, I had to make choices that allowed me to be there for my children while also making ends meet. I felt like my opportunity to build a career in health was slowly slipping away. 

My experience watching my mother go through the aged care system, and the passing of my grandmother, gave me a deeper appreciation of the important work carried out by aged care professionals. This encouraged me to enrol in the Launch into a Role in Health program at Latrobe Regional Health. 

From the very first day, I received encouragement to follow my dream of becoming a nurse. Within weeks of starting the course, I was offered casual employment at the hospital. I began working in cleaning and orderly and have since received training across different areas of the hospital. 

I’m so happy that everything started to fall into place. The program opened doors for me, and I made great friends in the class and met wonderful people who genuinely cared about my growth and success. 

Since completing the course, I have been able to secure flexible work at the hospital that allows me to balance employment with my nursing studies. 

I’m incredibly grateful for the support and encouragement I received from Community College Gippsland and Latrobe Regional Health. This program has given me more than a qualification; it has given me a pathway to pursue my dream of becoming a nurse while being there for my children.