Emma Rossi (’84)

After a career reporting for news and current affairs on national television, and nearly 12 years working in media and communications for the ACCC, the competition and consumer regulator and for the telecommunications and media regulator, the ACMA, Emma Rossi (‘84) has pivoted to a role in pastoral care.

Emma graduated with a Certificate of Clinical Pastoral Education at St Vincent’s Health Australia (Sydney) in February 2024. She is undertaking further studies at the Sydney College of Divinity working towards a Graduate Certificate in Arts.

“Training to be a pastoral carer is one of the most interesting and meaningful things I’ve ever had the honour of learning. The gist of it is helping patients with their emotional and spiritual healing.

I trained at St Vincent’s Hospital over several months, graduating in early 2024. Many of the patients are vulnerable, with mental health, homelessness, and addiction issues.

It was surprising how quickly we would get to the nub of the issue. I felt so privileged to hear patient’s stories, their worries, their hearts’ desires, what gives purpose to their lives.

The key is of course, listening, and offering reflective responses to help patients with their own healing journey.

I’m very drawn to palliative care and am considering further studies to work with those who are dying.”