Indigenous student realises dreams helping animals in outback

“A connection with animals and land is deeply ingrained in my personality and who I am,” Armstrong explains.

“As a child, we had rottweilers. Animals were my family.”

Now in the third year of a Bachelor of Veterinary Biology and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine double degree, Armstrong’s passion is set to become her profession – although she’s in no hurry to leave the University, just yet.

The big discovery of veterinary science and Armstrong’s decision to make animals the focus of her career began in year 10.

“During subject selections I was flicking through a booklet and thinking what can I do,” she says.

It was her career adviser who urged her to pursue her animal aspirations.

“I still remember exactly where I was sitting when I was talking with my career adviser.

“He was amazing, he knew every single student by their first name. He was hugely influential, I’ll never forget him.”

Looking back, Armstrong says it was an impulsive but instinctive decision that has helped shape her future ever since.

“I took really strategic steps from there to ensure it was a good decision, and I’ve not ever regretted it.

“I feel like I’ve really tasted it [veterinary sciences] and discovered so many avenues of where this could potentially go.”

These avenues have included a trips to the Nyirripi, Yuelamu and Yuendumu communities in outback Northern Territory in 2016, and visits to three communities in the Tiwi Islands.

With the support of her academic adviser and mentor, Associate Professor and Sub Dean of Indigenous Education at the Faculty of Veterinary Science Jaime Gongora, Armstrong participated in an animal management program with the group Animal Management in Rural and Remote Indigenous Communities (AMRRIC). 

AMRRIC is a not-for-profit charity that coordinates veterinary and education programs in Indigenous communities.

The organisation’s approach recognises the inextricable links between human, animal and environmental health and wellbeing.

The group’s team of staff, partners and volunteers made more than 250 visits to communities and numerous outstations over the past year, desexing more than 3,440 dogs, treating 12,150 dogs for parasites, and visiting more than 1,720 homes to consult with pet owners.

“Unlike previous animal management protocols, these programs respectfully treat animals,” Armstrong explains.

“They build trust and strong connections, which is far more efficient in creating a healthier and happier environment for members of the community and the animals themselves.

“I was able to treat a large number of pets, and pests, while on my trip and make some meaningful relationships which changed my life.”

Armstrong says it was both challenging and rewarding.

“I learned so much during these trips. Being accepted and invited into such rich cultural communities is unexplainable and something I will deeply miss – until next time.”

Back on campus, “intensely competitive” are the words Armstrong uses to describe getting into veterinary sciences at Sydney, a course which is ranked number one in Australia and 12th globally in the 2020 QS Subject Rankings.

Outside of the classroom Armstrong makes time each week for one shift at Sydney Animal Hospitals.

“It’s really good for me because if I have anything tricky at uni, I can rack the vets’ brains.”

Armstrong says she finds working with fellow student nurses and talented vets immensely rewarding and inspiring.

So what’s the most surprising thing about uni?

“Maybe the fact that I’m happy to stay here for ages,” Armstrong candidly shares. “I want to stay at uni forever! Uni provides a platform where I can explore all my interests and passions”.

Aside from furry friends, Armstrong’s passions include rural Australia and indigenous education - which she has been able to explore at the University through both the AMRRIC program and in her role as a Student Ambassador.

The infectious animal lover has set her sights high and aims on studying a PhD after her double degree, doing “some sort of research”.

Eventually Armstrong wants a career in which she can combine her research aspirations with a clinical veterinary doctor position, but for now she’s quite comfortable right where she is.