Yamatji woman Lenny Papertalk receives World Indigenous Cancer Conference honour for work in Mid West

A Geraldton-based University of Western Australia researcher has been recognised for her contribution to Indigenous cancer care in the Mid West. Following her advocacy work in Geraldton and Mullewa, Yamatji woman Lenny Papertalk received the honour of the 2024 World Indigenous Cancer Conference award in Melbourne late last month. Ms Papertalk works as a community engagement officer with the university’s WA Centre for Rural Health (WACRH) in Geraldton and is a qualified social worker. When she was 17, she had to decide between caring for her cultural knowledge holder, her grandmother who had cancer, or pursue an education. Her passion led to her developing a program, titled Whisper No More: Sharing Our Stories for better cancer outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. The program focuses on Aboriginal cancer patients by allowing them to share their stories on camera to better understand what their needs are. According to WACRH, topics include symptoms and diagnosis, what helped them during treatment, as well as more personal topics like family and wishes for end-of-life care. The organisation’s director professor Sandra Thompson said it was a significant achievement to be selected for the award, having been chosen from indigenous nominations from all over the world. “Lenny is a remarkable indefatigable woman with a very big heart,” she said. “It is fantastic to see her being acknowledged for her efforts over many years supporting better cancer outcomes for Aboriginal people. “We are all celebrating her great achievement.”