After more than 26 years working in school health nursing, Thornlie Senior High School Community Health nurse Sue James says helping young people reach their potential is what continues to drive her every day.
Ms James was recently named one of three finalists in the 2026 WA Nursing and Midwifery Excellence Awards in the category of Excellence in Primary, Public and Community Care.
She believes her nomination followed a staff acknowledgement award she received last year through the South East Education Community Network.
Working closely with students at Thornlie SHS, Ms James promotes health and wellbeing programs including Your Move and Act Belong Commit.
She said the programs encourage students to look after both their physical and mental health.
“Your Move is about promoting students using active travel to get to school, so riding a bike, walking, catching public transport,” she said.
“That benefits their mental health, their physical health and their emotional health, so they’re more ready to learn when they get to school.”
Ms James said Act Belong Commit helped educate students about ways to care for their mental wellbeing and encouraged them to seek support when needed.
Asked why students and staff connected so much with her, she said she believed every student mattered.
“I just believe everyone has a right to good health and education,” she said.
“Working in a school is a great way to promote adolescent health and work with young people so they can reach their potential.”
Ms James said she was “amazed, humbled and delighted” when she found out she had been named a finalist.
“It’s very humbling,” she said.
“I probably didn’t grasp how big my nomination was until every step of the way.”
She said the recognition also helped shine a light on the role school health nurses play in the community.
“It’s an opportunity to let everybody know about community health nursing, and in particular school health nursing,” she said.
“It’s been a fabulous career for me. Really what drives us all is that we just want to make a difference.”
One moment that has stayed with her over the years involved a former student she worked with in Victoria.
“She came back and thanked me and said I stopped her from suiciding,” Ms James said.
“She’s now married and got children.”
Ms James encouraged young people struggling with mental health or wellbeing challenges to speak to someone and seek support.
“There’s loads of help out there, loads of people to talk to,” she said.
“If you’re struggling, go and talk to somebody and get some help.”
Support is available through Lifeline on 13 11 14 and Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800.
