From Melbourne to Mparntwe

Having grown up in the suburbs of Melbourne, working as a mental health clinician in remote Northern Territory is a whole new world for Mick Keane.

However, in his final year of social work studies, a sense of adventure and ambition drove the 28-year-old to pursue a student placement out of the ordinary.

“I always thought the RFDS was just for doctors and nurses,” he said.

“So, when I first learned of the opportunity to join the RFDS Mental Health & Wellbeing team, I jumped at the chance.”

Every week, the RFDS Mental Health & Wellbeing team based in Alice Springs hits the road or the sky to visit Central Desert communities, offering one-on-one support, running group activities and spreading awareness.

Mick shadowed the team during his three-month student placement, visiting dozens of remote communities.

Putting his education into practice, he began combining his clinical mental health skills with his learnings of unique local and cultural contexts.

“Listening is a powerful skill, particularly here in the bush. And even silence – allowing someone to think about what they’re saying and affording them a few more moments to expand on an answer – is really powerful. 

“So now, to be going out and providing this care to people in remote areas is a real passion and something I’ve wanted to do.”

Following the completion of his final placement, Mick successfully applied for a job at the RFDS and has now joined the team as a Graduate Mental Health Clinician.

“I’m so fortunate to have secured employment with the RFDS post placement. This is the opportunity of a lifetime and there’s a real sense of pride and privilege.”

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