Meet Stuart Yiwarr McGrath

About Stuart

Stuart Yiwarr McGrath is a registered nurse who wants to improve health outcomes for his kin, the Yolngu people of northeast Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory. Stuart grew up on Elcho Island, known to its traditional owners as Galiwin’ku. As a child, Stuart loved going hunting, fishing, and spending time on the beach. Now, he helps people stay healthy and feel better. Stuart became a nurse because he saw that people in his community were getting sick too often, and he wanted to make a difference. He’s the first registered nurse from the Yolgnu people, and he’s proud to teach others about health in their own language. Stuart is extremely caring — he helps people even when it’s really hard, like during emergencies. He also loves making spears and catching stingrays! Stuart believes that learning about your culture is just as important as learning at school. He wants more young First Nations people to become nurses and doctors so they can help their communities too.