Not only is CQUni Alumnus Elise Lambert helping to save lives as a nurse at the Mackay Hospital, she’s also an advocate for beach safety as a competitor in this year’s Mackay Summer Surf Girl. Her passion for health and safety is one she is keen to share with her local community.
Are you a CQUni Alumni? If so, what did you graduate in?
I graduated in 2013 with a Bachelor of Nursing. After graduating, I headed out west and worked as a remote area nurse at Longreach and Blackall before returning home to Mackay. I am currently working at the Mackay Base Hospital in the Special Care Nursery. I have also recently completed my Certificate in Neonatal Nursing and am looking forward to applying for further studies in child health nursing.
What was a recent highlight of your life?
I have recently completed my role as the Mackay Summer Surf Girl, a female development program within Surf Lifesaving Queensland where each club from the coast of Queensland can nominate a female lifesaver. The nominee embarks on a nine-month journey promoting Surf Lifesaving’s values; educating the community on beach safety and organising fundraising events for their club as well as seeking media opportunities.
What is the best thing about being at CQUni?
When I started this Summer Surf Girl endeavour for the Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club, even though I was no longer a student, CQUni was more than willing to continue to help me, by donating a courtesy bus as well as continually asking if they could do more for me.
What was the moment that made you choose your career?
It started when I received the bronze medallion when I was 16 years old. I was able to give confident first aid skills to the public and I will never forget the day when I was volunteering at the BMA Mackay Marina Run and an athlete fell unconscious at the finish line and I was able to provide first aid. That athlete later sent me a letter, thanking me for my efforts.
How are you changing the world?
I am trying to encourage the public to be more aware of the red and yellow flags and to swim between them. It is my wish that airlines would play a safety video on staying between the flags due to such large numbers of tourists coming to Australia to experience our beaches.
What is a motto or phrase that you live by?
Hakuna Matata- it means no worries.
