Sally Goold facts for kids

Sally Sophia Goold is a very important Wiradjuri woman. She made history by becoming the first Aboriginal nurse in New South Wales, Australia. Sally Goold has received two big awards. She got the Medal of the Order of Australia in 1986. Then, in 2006, she was named the Senior Australian of the Year.

Sally's Early Life and Learning

Sally Goold was born in a town called Narrandera, in New South Wales. When she was a child, her family moved to Sydney. There, she went to St Peters Public School.

At 14 years old, Sally left school. She started working in shops. But at 16, she decided to follow a different path. She began her nursing training. This happened at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. Sally was the first Aboriginal nursing student at that hospital.

After finishing her first nursing training, Sally kept learning. She earned a special diploma in teaching nursing. She also studied at the Queensland University of Technology. There, she got a degree in Applied Science. Later, she earned her highest degree. This was a Master's degree in nursing from Flinders University.

Sally's Nursing Career

After becoming a qualified nurse, Sally Goold started her career. She worked at the King George V Memorial Hospital. She also worked at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. She became the first registered nurse of Aboriginal heritage in New South Wales.

In 1971, Sally helped start something very important. She was a co-founder of the Aboriginal Medical Service. This service helps Aboriginal people get good healthcare.

Later, Sally moved to teach nursing. She taught at the Queensland University of Technology. While teaching, she also led Aboriginal health services. These services were for Queensland Health.

After teaching for six years, Sally had another big idea. She helped create the Congress of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nurses. This group started in 1997. Sally was named its first executive director. She also taught at other hospitals. These included the St Andrews War Memorial Hospital and Prince Charles Hospital.

In 2007, Sally Goold joined a special group. It was called the National Indigenous Council. This council advises the Australian Government on Indigenous matters.

Awards and Special Honours

Sally Goold has received several important awards. In 1986, she was given the Medal of the Order of Australia. This award recognized her great work. It was part of the Queen's Birthday Honours.

In 2006, Sally received another big honour. She was named the Senior Australian of the Year. This award celebrates older Australians. It recognizes their contributions to the country.