Maggie’s reflections from the Far North
This NAIDOC week, we’re spotlighting one of our HD specialists — Maggie, from Western Australia — whose work in the Far North clinic reflects the spirit of this year’s theme: Strength, Vision and Legacy.
The Far North Mobile Huntington’s Clinic, delivered by the North Metropolitan Health Service, has been providing care and education on Huntington’s disease (HD) in the Kimberley since 2018. This clinic is funded by the State Government’s Disability Innovation Fund in collaboration with Huntington’s Australia and not-for-profit, Connectivity.
For the past 15 years, Maggie has worked closely with families affected by HD across Australia. One of her most meaningful experiences has been supporting First Nations communities through this clinic.
“Since my first visit in 2022, it’s been really rewarding to watch the clinic grow and the relationships deepen. It’s not about flying in and out. It’s about turning up, listening, and staying connected — with families, local GPs, and service providers on the ground,” Maggie recalls.
This NAIDOC Week, Maggie reflects on working with First Nations families.
Part of Maggie’s role involves helping local capacity, linking service providers and GPs with specialist HD resources, and working to ensure that families receive consistent, culturally appropriate care. Just as important, Maggie says, is reducing stigma and ensuring accurate, accessible information is available.
During one visit, Maggie met a young person who approached the team with questions about HD — a quiet but powerful moment that reinforced the importance of being there in person.
“These families do so much with so little. Just getting something like an adjustable bed or a wheelchair can be a huge task. But there’s a strong sense of family and support. The local providers there know the community, know the clients, and they’ve really embraced our visits.”
“As a migrant to this country, I didn’t grow up knowing anything about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. But being welcomed in, being invited to a family’s home for a barbecue during our last visit — that generosity and openness has been so humbling.”
This openness, she says, has been part of a deeper learning journey — one that continues to guide how she approaches care and communication.
“Breaking down language and information barriers is key. Huntington’s has been hidden for a long time. But if we keep building on what we’ve started, we can keep changing that.”
As we celebrate NAIDOC Week and honour the theme of Strength, Vision and Legacy, Maggie shares:
“The next generation is already showing us the way. They’re open, curious, and eager to learn. We just have to keep showing up and make sure they’re supported in the ways they want and need.
People in remote parts of Australia shouldn’t be forgotten.”
