Jade plans a new legacy
TRAGEDY brought Jade Newman into the Legacy family six years ago – now she is on the brink of a future brighter than she could have imagined.
Jade, 22, will be among new James Cook University graduates next month, celebrating the end of five years of study, achieving two Bachelor degrees in nursing science and midwifery.
Her inspiration to join the health profession came from caring for her father, a former Army soldier, during his multiple hospital visits.
Sadly, her father took his own life in 2011.
“Legacy has been a massive help ever since my dad passed away,” Jade said.
“They helped me get through Year 12 at high school and all the way through my nursing degree.
“Legacy was always there to help with anything, including the purchases of text books, uniforms and shoes, lots of shoes.”
Jade said the willingness of Legatees to listen and be there for her and her sister had meant the most.
“We’ve had a number of Legatees supporting us over the years and I honestly don’t think I would have got to this point without them,” she said.
“In the past couple of years, it’s been John. He’s absolutely amazing.
“I look to him as an uncle. He’s someone I can always call and have a chat with and he understands, especially when I can’t talk to my own family. His wife Heather is amazing as well. They’ve been great.
“I appreciate the help so very much. It definitely makes it easier when you’ve got the right support and encouragement to make the right decisions.”
In February, Jade will begin work at the Townsville Hospital.
Her ambition is to take what’s she’s learned, her passion and Aboriginal heritage out to remote Australia to practise her chosen profession on country in indigenous communities.
“I didn’t know much about my dad’s military days, he didn’t talk much about it, except that he grew up in Brisbane in a family who were also involved in the Army,” she said.
“I’m very mature because of my dad, and my mum is Aboriginal.
“They played a big part in shaping the person I am today and my motivation to get into nursing and pursue what want to do in the future.”
Jade’s plan is to pay it forward, supporting her sister and other young indigenous women and men to chase their dreams and achieve their potential.
“I want to help my community and be a role model to my sister and other young people thinking about going to university,” she said.
“I never imagined I’d achieve what I have, especially since none of my friends went to university.
“It was a big thing for me to get in and a massive thing for me to be where I am today about to graduate with twin degrees.
“I really wish one day my sister will do something even bigger and better and achieve what she wants in her life.
“Right now though, we’re just looking forward to spending some more time together, now that my head is not buried in books.” I