Milikapiti’s first male Aboriginal Health Practitioner in three decades
At Milikapiti Clinic, Roy Farmer is a familiar, trusted face and his recent achievement is a proud moment for the whole community.
Roy has completed his Aboriginal Health Practitioner (AHP) training, is now AHPRA registered, and is the first locally employed male AHP in Milikapiti in more than 30 years.
Roy joined Milikapiti Clinic in 2020 as a clinic driver, a role he enjoyed and valued. It was during this time that he was encouraged by then AHP Coordinator, Elizabeth Coombes, to consider training as an AHP.
“At first, I didn’t want to do it because I was enjoying my time as a driver at the clinic,” Roy says. “But Libby kept asking me to do it because there was no male AHP here at Milikapiti.”
Roy took the leap and began his formal training through the Batchelor Institute. He combined study with hands‑on learning at the clinic, working closely with nurses, local AHPs and visiting services to build his clinical skills and confidence.
Strengthening community care
Now fully qualified, Roy is already seeing the impact of his role. Having a male AHP helps make health services more accessible and culturally safe.
“Men in the community are feeling more comfortable now that I’m the male AHP in the clinic, so they can come to the clinic more often to get seen and checked,” Roy says.
Beyond clinical care, it is the supportive environment at the clinic that keeps him motivated.
“I really love working as an AHP because we have such a great team here,” he says. “We always help each other whenever someone needs support. Even though we face challenges every day, with patients and in our own lives, we still get through it together, and that’s the beauty of it.”
Roy’s journey doesn’t stop here.
“My goal in the future is to keep going and become the clinic manager here at Milikapiti,” Roy says. “That’s my dream.”
Roy’s story shows the power of encouragement, opportunity and strong local teams highlighting what’s possible when communities are supported to grow their own health workforce.
