Veniana studied Certificate III in Individual Support – Aged Care Specialisation and is currently undertaking the Disability skillset. She moved to Australia in 2013 and focused on raising her four daughters before moving into paid work. Veniana always had the desire to do more with her life and began to look for a study opportunity she could do outside of her working hours and chose the community college because previous students had told her it had small class groups, good student support and an onsite trainer. Veniana was dedicated to her studies and exhibited outstanding aptitude, time management and punctuality. She valued her learning community and the opportunity she was provided with. Despite many personal challenges, she completed her Certificate Ill in under a year. She displayed exemplary determination and fortitude to overcome financial, family and personal health obstacles. Vaniana obtained a new job as a Disability Support Worker and continues to work night shifts at pioneers Lodge Aged Care. The level of resident care she demonstrates in her work has been described as examplary. She remains a core part of her Fijian Griffith community, constantly serving others when she is not working at one of her two jobs or taking care of her immediate and extended family.

Madison studied as an existing worker traineee completing the Certificate II in Retail. Her journey to working in retail began when she independently enquired about the possibility of work experience with The Starfish Store in Shellharbour City, an educational, sensory and specialised retail store. Madi enrolled in the retail course with WEA Illawarra and although it wasn’t easy, she systematically and persistently worked through her modules with dedication. She worked closely with her trainer to incorporate all her skills and knowledge from her workplace into her course assignments. Completing her studies was a significant achievement, and it has helped her further develop skills and add a whole new level of customer care to her role, including Facebook live sessions. She gained the confidence to be nominated as Illawarra Women In Business 2023 – Most Outstanding Employee, which she won. Madi was recently invited to speak at the UOW Neurodivergence 2023 Conference Dinner, is considering taking on another certificate of study with WEA and is now working towards independent living.

Graeme studied a Diploma of Vocational Education and Training and a Diploma of Training Design and Development. He quickly grasped the theoretical aspects of his courses and applied the knowledge in his job, including being part of the development of the Certificate III in Public Safety (Emergency Communications Centre Operations) for the NSW Police Force. Graeme has excellent leadership skills, which he demonstrates with flair across work and community settings. He inspires and mentors others and actively advocates for the value of VET training. He contributes to the community through his involvement in the Gravesend Progress Association, First Nations children’s programs in Moree and by facilitating programs for disengaged youth. Recently, Graeme was honoured with the Vocational Student of the Year Award at the 2023 NSW Training Awards for the New England Region. He has a 33-year career with the NSW Police and has recently become a Trainer and Assessor at Tamworth Community College.

Louise studied a Diploma of Beauty Therapy. Louise navigated a large transition from being a full-time Mum to studying full-time. While it was challenging at times, it also provided for the development of her time management skills and learning to maintain a good work, life, and study balance. Louise encountered barriers with literacy, numeracy, and digital skills, so she also undertook studying of other practical and personal skills, including computers. This enabled her to practice her skills through theory-based tasks and assessments. Louise often went out of her way to help other students and always attended each class with an infectious positivity and excitement. Her growing confidence and passion for her work and study has also allowed Louise to have increased involvement with the community, such as fundraising for cancer. She has become an ambassador for the College and for vocational education and training, encouraging others to pursue a vocational course and achieve their personal or career goals.

Erin studied Certificate II in Workplace Skills. The course is aimed at preparing students for a career through development of soft skills required for a variety of entry- level Business Services job roles. Erin has improved her core skills for life and work, and advanced her digital skills. With the team activities and group discussion, Erin often led her peers in the activities and troubleshooting. Erin has been generous with her assistance to others in her class and began volunteering at ICYouth Centre to encourage member participation and to help out in the kitchen. Completing her certificate at CCNI has rekindled her passion for study. Erin has already enrolled in a New England University Pathway enabling course, and in 2024 plans to enrol in a Bachelor of Science majoring in Biochemistry or Microbiology.

Elan studied Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care and is now in the process of completing the Diploma course in Early Education. He is an accomplished international student and highly experienced educator with more than 17 years of teaching expertise. Throughout his studies, Elan consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication and commitment, achieving outstanding academic results, illustrating his deep understanding of the subjects. He embraced the challenges that come with studying in a foreign country and navigating a different cultural and educational system and has shown remarkable resilience and adaptability. He has taken leadership roles in student organizations, participated in community service initiatives, and promoted cultural exchange. Elan supports his fellow students through mentoring roles and has contributed to the supportive and collaborative learning environment at Bankstown Community College.

Lachlan is completing a Certificate III Engineering – Mechanical Trade with the Central Coast Community College Rutherford Campus as part of an apprenticeship with HVTC. He also participated in their Work Readiness Program – a trade skills programs designed for first year apprentices. Lachlan produced two outstanding projects as part of this program; a piston pump and vice, and received the Leadership Award, acknowledging his consistent efforts in working with his peers providing assistance, support, and guidance. Lachlan’s trade and leadership skills are evident in his initiative and ability to design and re-design functional tools for increased efficacy. He is also a fantastic safety ambassador and sets a great example, always challenging potentially unsafe practices and adhering to safety procedures. Lachlan secured his apprenticeship role due to his dedication and work ethic, and has proven he is an effective worker and an asset to his host employer. Lachlan is a standout student with a great work ethic as well as communication and leadership qualities.

Holly studied Certificate III in Business at TLK Community College and is in the process of completing Certificate III in School Based Education Support, which will include a work placement at TLK Youth College. Holly is a proud TLK Youth College graduate who completed her studies at TLK Community College whilst also a carering for her grandmother and her 15-year-old sister. Despite personal challenges, Holly was always diligent in her studies and completed her assessment tasks to a high standard. As a 19-year-old, she was a role model for other students and her trainers were impressed by her capacity, attitude and attention to detail, including her effective oral communication, written communication, self-reliance skills and resilience. Holly has a strong understanding of the value of learning and training – all of which she is applying and integrating into her current studies. She is a true example of student triumph, a polite and respectful student who has overcome personal challenges over time and attained educational success with the support of a Community College.

Simone has studied Employment Pathways to Aged and Disability Care and Community Services, Pathways Career Support for Community Services and Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing & Disability). Simone came to Macquarie Community College through a joint program with the college and Baptist Care Hope St. The program focussed on individuals wanting to leave behind their current trauma-based lives and work in the aged/disability sector. Simone started her journey in October 2022, initially joining the pathways program and then returning to join the Certificate III in Individual Support at the Mount Druitt campus. The pathway course gave Simone the courage to complete her full qualification and also to do so in an unfamiliar environment. Simone has persevered throughout her studies to remove herself completely from an abusive home environment and since completing her studies, Simone has attained employment with a local aged care provider.

Eddie studied Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade which coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic. As the delivery of his classes moved to an online format, Eddie quickly realized his need for a different training provider to ensure he could successfully complete his studies. He took the initiative to move to a more supportive training provider and was welcomed to CCNI’s Gunnedah Campus halfway through his apprenticeship in 2022. Eddie took on the challenge of an apprenticeship at a very young age and has grown into a confident young man who displays motivation and resilience both inside and outside of the workplace. His leadership skills are evident in the classroom and workplace where he assists other apprentices when required. Eddie will mark four years’ employment with Stripes Engineering at the completion of his Engineering Apprenticeship in December 2023. Eddie understands the importance of education and hard work to achieve his goals. He comments: “Completing this trade qualification will give me options in my professional life and the ability to follow my career dreams.”

Michelle studied a Diploma of Beauty Therapy. She is a devoted mother of three children who embarked on a journey of career transformation after a successful background in Aged Care. Michelle displayed unwavering commitment, organisation and enthusiasm for all facets of the beauty industry. She has exemplified the highest standards of integrity by being early and organized in classes, offering assistance to class members who were behind in their work and meticulously organizing treatment areas, setting the tone for productive collaboration. Michelle faced a number of challenges while studying including, dealing with a very ill family member, whilst also running a busy household, volunteering at her children’s school and sports canteen and ensuring her children participate fully in school life. It is through her dedication, passion, and commitment that she has successfully forged a path into employment, where she is fostering a culture of positivity in her new part-time role at Endota Spa.

Kieran studied Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care and then the Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care which he will complete this year. Kieran found his love of early childhood education through his work in before and after school care. Kieran has implemented the skills he has developed over time in his traineeships, always going above and beyond for the children and his team. He is a mentor for his team and takes this role with all the responsibility it requires. He has weekly check-in sessions to critically reflect on the curriculum, the children’s learning and any concerns, challenges, or achievements. Kieran is purposeful, respectful and has a passion for advocating for children, their families and local community. He has demonstrated a positive impact on the work environment with newly enrolled children exhibiting reduced separation anxiety from their parents. Keiran has developed self-confidence and has recently played a lead role in the childcare provider Assessment and Rating.

Grahame Neville completed studies in Certificate II Work and Vocational Pathways and Computing for Work at Tamworth Community College. He has been employed in the Linen/Laundry Operations department at Tamworth Base Hospital for more than 28 years. Throughout his time in this role, Grahame had been unable to transition to a promoted role due to his level of language, literacy and numeracy (LLN) skills. For this reason, he initially enrolled at Tamworth Community College. Over time Grahame improved his LLN skills and developed the confidence that helped him to participate in the televised SBS Series Lost for Words in 2022. In November 2022, Grahame also participated in a discussion panel at the CCA 2022 Sydney Conference. Grahame’s trainer comments that he is “resilient, motivated, likeable, committed and has an excellent work ethic.”

Maya Wills studied Certificate II in Skills for Work and Vocational Pathways, Certificate II in Workplace Skills and in 2022 she completed a Certificate III in Business. Maya is employed as a trainee at Waminda, the South Coast Women’s Health and Welfare Aboriginal Corporation in Nowra. Despite facing challenges with dyslexia and mental health, Maya remained diligent with her studies. Her trainer says “Maya was an outstanding student, always punctual and polite, and performed every task asked of her on time and to a very high standard.” Maya recently enrolled into university to study a Bachelor of Health Science (Mental Health), which she is extremely passionate about. Her goal is to finish her degree and return to Waminda to be their Mental Health Nurse and to provide the community with healing and guidance along their journey.

Garry Allen studied Certificate IV in Community Services with Byron Community College. After running his own successful handyman business for many years, Garry came to Byron Community College when he was at a crossroads, considering semi-retirement. His work placement as a Diversional Therapist in aged care led to his interest in men’s groups and he is now on the Wellbeing Committee at the Men’s Shed Association. Garry’s trainer remarks that he “has shown that it’s never too late to make a career change and that adult community education is a potent way of developing the strengths and capacities of those who can give back to the community.”

Wayne Brown has completed studies in the 1:1 English Class for Native English Speakers at The Junction Community Centre, Adelaide. Wayne’s commitment to attending class every week for a year has meant that he has made significant progress in a short period of time, improving his scale reading score from 68 to 79 in just a few months. He is currently employed by Orana two days per week and is active at the Community Centre, attending weekly lunches and building relationships with the community. Wayne’s trainers comment that he has made significant improvements with reading and comprehension, but also in self-esteem and confidence, adding that Wayne “will also always offer advice or help if required.”

Pam Kaur Sunner completed a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care at Macquarie Community College. Pam came to Australia from Punjab, India in 1990 with her family. She worked in a childcare centre, where she spent four years applying the skills from her Childcare Assistant studies. Pam took on a number of caring roles within her family including, her elderly parents and children of family members as well as her own children. After she commenced her Diploma at Macquarie Community College, she also endured the loss of two close family members but resolved to continue studying. Her trainer says that “despite this enormous load, Pam was a dedicated and committed student throughout”. Pam successfully completed her Diploma and has gone on to continue to work in childcare as a Diploma-trained educator.

Tracy Keenan completed her TAE16 upgrade at Parramatta Community College, while also caring for her son who has a disability, as well as her ageing parents. For the past three years she has worked for an RTO with scheduled travel in NSW to provide training for adults living with disability and significant learning barriers. In this role Tracy has honed her skills to create flexible learning practices that tailor to individual needs and deliver positive outcomes. Her current employer remarks that Tracy has “identified and rectified huge gaps in training amongst the clusters of staff and has suitably sourced external training packages which she has delivered in a highly professional and supportive manner.” As a dedicated trainer and assessor at Parramatta Community College, Tracy has also mentored and supported many students by providing them with job ready skills.

Kathy Reiri studied Certificate III in Individual Support and Provide First Aid at Western Riverina Community College. She migrated to Australia from New Zealand in 2018 in order to support her children. Kathy found employment but wanted to find a more secure and permanent role, which led her to enrol at Western Riverina Community College. Throughout her work placement Kathy demonstrated “empathy, resilience, and a genuine concern for the clients”, so that at the end of the first block of placement she successfully secured casual work with an aged care provider. Since completing her studies Kathy now works full-time hours in aged care. Kathy’s trainer says she is a “real motivator” and that she encouraged others in her class, with her can-do attitude.

Bradley Robinson is in his third year of apprenticeship and studied Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade at Central Coast Community College. After trying out metal fabrication at school, Brad realised that it was exactly what he wanted to pursue for work. From the start Brad displayed an attitude and aptitude beyond his years. His Year 2 trainer comments that “Brad was a rare talent, earning a reputation for his accuracy, cleanliness, teamwork, and ability to follow instructions.” Brad is passionate about the quality of his work and enjoys being a part of the whole process, from consultation to design, testing, and installation. Brad’s dedication and passion for fabrication shine though in his course projects that frequently make the “table of excellence”, as well as in his leisure time when he helps others with their car repairs in between finishing his own car project, restoring a 1964 EH Holden.

Gloria Tang completed Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing, Home & Community) in 2021 at Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Community College (HKCC). She is currently enrolled in Certificate IV in Ageing Support and is working as a trainee in aged care at Nurse Next Door, a business franchise she operates with her husband. Originally from Shanghai, Gloria arrived in Australia in 2018 and felt welcomed by her community, which fuelled her desire to want to give back to the community. The trainers at HKCC acknowledge Gloria’s work ethic and state that “her attitude and friendly persona that makes her an asset and valued member of the student body and community within HKCC.” Gloria’s business Nurse Next Door has been operating for 6 months and now has 20 employees.

Ivy Tieh has completed studies in Introduction to Microsoft Excel, Design and Produce Spreadsheets and Certificate III Business (Administration) at Community College Northern Inland (CCNI). Ivy came to Australia from Malaysia in 1994. She initially studied a Bachelor of Applied Science (physiotherapy) and then worked as a physiotherapist. Ivy spent many years caring for her young family; after completing a CPR course at CCNI in Gunnedah, decided to equip herself with more qualifications. Ivy says her studies have “helped improve my general computer skills, helped me to equip myself with the current Australian workplace policies and updated business administration skills”. Ivy now wants to give back to the community that she felt has encouraged and nurtured her, so she remains active assisting the multicultural communities in Gunnedah, who need help with English, or caring duties.

Abbie enrolled with Atwea College in 2020 and completed a pre-vocational program in Aged Care. Following successful completion of this program, Abbie continued her studies and enrolled to complete the full Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) in February 2021. Abbie’s college states that “Abbie has a deep level of understanding and appreciation for people in the later stages of their life”. As she was an early school leaver and young mother, her training in the aged care industry was delayed. Abbie supported her young family for a number of years before she had the opportunity to study again. She has turned this opportunity into a new career, obtaining employment in the aged care industry at RFBI Kurri Kurri Masonic Village before completing her studies.

After gaining employment as a carer, Patricia realised her knowledge was limited to the scope required in her work; she enrolled in and completed a Diploma of Nursing at South Coast Colleges in Batemans Bay. Patricia is a also a single mum to three children who is motivated to better herself and give an example to her children that learning is for everyone. Her college has much praise for Patricia’s efforts: “Patricia has put 100% commitment into this course, from a person who was unable to write and email to a person who is competent in navigating her way through research and assessment submissions.” Patricia is currently employed at Banksia Lodge Nursing Home Broulee, as an Assistant in Nursing.

Layla Bacayo is an illustrator, painter, digital artist and DJ. She is a young woman with neuro diverse features who attends the Art Factory Supported Studio at the Riverina Community College in Wagga. By attending the Art Factory, she has had the opportunity to collaborate and be a valuable contributor to the wider contemporary art world. Layla has collaborated with number of regional art galleries, including Griffith Regional Art Gallery, The Wagga Wagga Art Gallery, Eastern Riverina Arts and the National Portrait Gallery. Her colleagues have said of Layla: “Layla is a well organised, effective ambassador and advocate for people with neuro diverse features and disabilities. She is an outstanding young woman who has met many challenges and risen to be active member of our local community.”

Kasey is enrolled in Certificate III in Electrotechnology (Electrician) and the Work Readiness Program (WRP) at Central Coast Community College. She is a mature age Electrical Apprentice and has been “on the tools” for more than 12 months. Kasey’s studies and employment were originally in graphic design, however, she has always been good at pulling things apart and fixing them. This interest led her to seek an apprenticeship as an electrician, which took her two years to obtain. Her college says that “Kasey is a testament to women working in non-traditional trades and an ambassador for the electrotechnology industry sector. She will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in the future to facilitate change around the stigma of women in trades, mentoring others in the workplace and educating women looking for a career in the trades.”

Tracey has completed Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) and is currently enrolled in Certificate III in Community Services and Individual Support – Disability Skillset. When her job was recently impacted by COVID-19 lockdowns, she decided on a career change and enrolled in an aged care qualification at Inverell campus of Community College Northern Inland. It wasn’t long before Tracey was offered a position locally as a disability support worker. Combining work and study was a challenge for Tracey, who lives on a farm with her husband and young family, and has had to travel long distances to attend face-to-face training. Tracey has already been recognised for her commitment to adult education and as an advocate for learning, winning a 2021 Adult Learners Week Scholarship in September 2021.

Miranda has completed Certificates III and IV in Business at Tamworth Community College. Miranda got a taste for politics when she completed a work placement whilst at school; since completing her Certificate IV in Business, Miranda has been employed in the Tamworth electorate office of the Deputy Prime Minister, The Hon Barnaby Joyce MP. She has been successful in attaining a promotion as a Junior Advisor to the Deputy Prime Minister, who is the Member for New England. Although she has the additional challenge of dyslexia, this has not impacted Miranda’s achievements and work ethic; her trainer has commented that “Miranda is an excellent student”. In early 2021, Miranda proudly won the Vocational Student of the Year Award for the NSW Training Awards – New England region.

Ethan has completed a number of qualifications at TLK Community College, including Certificate III in Business, Certificate III in Retail, Provide First Aid and Safe Food Handling. Ethan had spent several years doing landscaping and carpet laying jobs, but found there were no full-time employment opportunities available for him. His college has commented: “His commitment to education and training with TLK Community College has demonstrated strong individual leadership and diligence, and his success provides a role model for others seeking pathways into employment.” Ethan was unemployed when he commenced his training with TLK Community College, however during his training Ethan obtained employment at Kincumber McDonalds, and shortly thereafter was selected to undertake the McDonalds training to become a store manager.

After finding herself unemployed with twenty years’ experience in bookkeeping, Dawn decided to become a subcontractor, but found that with no formal qualifications this was not possible. She enrolled in and completed the Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping at WEA Illawarra. This qualification helped Dawn to obtain employment in the financial services industry, where she remains employed, with ambitions to open her own bookkeeping business in the future. WEA Illawarra staff commented about Dawn: “Dawn has done extremely well in her studies, with perfectionist qualities showing through – these are most important in this field of work.” Dawn is also a volunteer with SCARF who help refugee entrants to build a sense of belonging and to navigate starting a new life in Wollongong.

Ayva is an outstanding young lady who has met so many challenges in her life with determination, motivation and confidence. This is how she has also met her employment and training obligations, achieving outstanding results during her training and traineeship she is completing.
Ayva has been a carer for her mother for as many years as Ayva can recall. Her mother requires assistance with many of her activities of daily living including bathing, dressing, meal preparation, house cleaning and various other activities. Ayva supported her mother during her years at school and continues to provide care and support today.

Ayva has managed the many obstacles she has encountered during her later childhood and teenage years with a positive attitude, developing resilience and determination to succeed at whatever she may be applying herself to. This has included a commitment to supporting others, involvement in her local community and significant sporting achievements.

Kristal Barlow is an inspiring young woman and dedicated student that has battled more than her fair share of hardship, discrimination, illness and abuse during her young life.

Being a teenager mother Kristal never finished her high school education and believed for a long time that her education journey was over. In her twenties Kristal’s life took another turn as was diagnosed - and won - her battle with cervical cancer. On her recovery, now being a single parent to her three young girls, she wanted to set a positive example for them and was introduced to the world of Adult Education.

Kristal enrolled with Atwea College in 2019 and completed the CHC33015 Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) Qualification. Kristal loved her journey and was eager to further her studies by completing the Ageing stream of this qualification too. Unfortunately 2020 was ready to throw another challenge her way and she found herself completing her assessments from hospital while supporting her young daughter through multiple heart surgeries.
Kristal’s determination, bravery and ability is inspiring. Kristal confidently notes that whilst the journey can be hard, Adult Education has changed her life. It has improved her confidence and abilities beyond anything she thought was possible. She is currently volunteering for a Disability organisation and intends to keep studying in the future and working towards meaningful employment in the industry.

In 2018 Olivia completed her high school and enrolled in Certificate III in early Childhood Education and Care (with another RTO) which she found was not what she thought it would be. In 2019 she applied for the above traineeship at Tahmoor medical Centre. Olivia was honest in her job interview and stated she had started another course and did not complete. The employer/organisation had concerns to commence her as they were worried that she might not finish the Administration Medical Certificate as well. These concerns were soon dismissed.

From the initial job interview process, Olivia wanted to be given a chance and prove that she can complete the above qualification with the proper support that she needed. Her employer could see determination, motivation and someone very keen to be given an  opportunity to commence employment and learn. Olivia started in the Medical Administration Traineeship in November 2019 at 20 years of age. Having to complete 13 units of her qualification, in 12 months. Olivia completed all her units diligently and professionally, 2 months earlier than her completion date of her traineeship.

Her employer now has opened a second medical centre in Tahmoor. Olivia’s employer, over the last ten months, observed Olivia being reliable, diligent, hardworking, keen to learn and complete tasks thoroughly, promoted Olivia to the Assistant Practice Manager (of the new medical centre) and has given her a wage rise at the age of 20, even before her traineeship had officially completed. Olivia also resides in the local highly disadvantaged area, with high unemployment rates, of Picton and Tahmoor.

Theresa (Mumma) as she is affectionately known by staff and students at YDF is the most amazing, caring, selfless person we have ever met at YDF.

Born in NZ and raised in Samoa she moved to Australia as a new, young bride and started her family. She spent all of her life having and caring for her husband and family. Her children now all adults, she decided it was time to spend some time on herself.

Polly’s journey with our College started back in 2018, when her parents were desperately trying to find something that would help her to build some well needed social skills, following on from her late diagnosis of autism in her early teenage years and her negative experience of schooling.

Born in Cambodia and adopted by Australian parents, Polly’s learning difficulties and developmental delays were regularly attributed with potential trauma that she may have experienced either in utero or in her first year leading up to coming to Australia. It wasn’t until her mother Maria, longing for some answers, had a psychologist connect her condition with autism. Polly’s experience at school didn’t provide her with any confidence in her ability to learn new things, as she was being regularly told that she wasn’t smart or good enough, and she experienced ongoing bullying by her peers.

Maria however could see her daughter light up when she was around animals and in the garden, and a clear focus in her daughter’s intelligence that told her to keep searching for the ‘right’ place for her to learn within. A move from Queensland into Northern NSW, saw Polly leave school at year 9. With the home schooling program proving far too complex for Polly’s learning level, Maria sought out other avenues that Polly could access learning new skills. Without her Year 10 school Certificate, many pathways were closed to her and so she started enrolling in some of the non-accredited art courses offered by our College in 2018. Fast forward to the end of 2019, and Polly had completed 11 short courses ranging from Art journaling, sewing, bamboo building to backyard food production. At each course, Polly’s confidence in social groups grew as she connected regularly with members of the community.

Polly’s confidence in her own learning of new skills grew as well, and she started providing advice to neighbours about their gardens and building structures to assist with their growing. With careful consideration and the backing of her parents, tutors and College staff, Polly enrolled in the Certificate III in Horticulture in January 2020. Although she had a carer present in the early part of the course, her carer resigned after a few weeks, as Polly wanted to go it alone. As the Certificate III course draws to a close, Polly has kept her attendance and assessment progress at optimal levels. She has become an integral part of the class and has made some lifelong friends in some of the students. Her commitment to learning and her uptake of knowledge throughout her journey has been a joy to watch.
Maria speaks of the incredible growth in Polly over the period that she’s been studying all of her courses, but in particular during her time studying the Certificate III in Horticulture. Surrounded by great tutors and mature age students, she felt that she was within a safe and supportive learning environment and this provided her with a new stability in her life. Polly’s self-awareness and resilience grew as she witnessed others in her class and the issues that they were experiencing in their own lives, and this provided a previously unknown perspective for her situation.

Maria speaks of the College being a life saver for her daughter, and is now watching Polly’s confidence and willingness to try new things and set goals gaining momentum daily. Polly has not only secured a job with a local Herb Nursery that specialise in employing people living with a Disability, she is managing her own personal budget and has also started dating for the first time! Maria says at the beginning of this journey they needed a win with Polly. She now calls Polly’s story ‘A Miracle’ and knows that there are other parents and young people like Polly who need to hear her story and find inspiration and hope from it.

Teressa is a determined young woman who has a positive outlook on all things in life. She doesn’t see her cerebral palsy as a barrier and has overcome significant hurdles to achieve her learning and career goals.

After leaving school, Teressa found local employment in retail where she worked for the same country store for 26 years until its closure in November 2019. When faced with redundancy, Teressa took a positive approach, turning disaster into an opportunity to follow her dream to work with the elderly.

In early 2020, Teressa enrolled in the Certificate III in Individual Support specialising in Ageing at Inverell Community College. She emerged a skilled, knowledgeable and highly employable worker just eight months’ later.

Teressa believes that with determination and support, anything is possible. Even changing career paths after 26 years working in the same job.

Kirsty is a fulltime mum of 2 children, she has a beautiful partner who has 6 children as well. Together they raise their 8 children. Kirsty worked hard to be able to buy her first house before she was 21. Kirsty has also worked for over 10 years with people with disabilities on the days she is not at college and whilst her children are at school. Kirsty has said that she has always had a passion to do hair and now was the right time to pursue her dream.

Rocio is currently working in Organisational Development and Learning in the Learning Design and Strategy Team, specifically in the Systems Team. Her role consists of:
- Implementing and maintaining effective administrative systems and processes and making recommendations to improve efficiency, in order to better support the business unit to deliver services.
- Building and maintaining excellent interpersonal relationships with team members in other business areas, in order to effectively arrange and prepare meetings, and to manage the flow of important information throughout these areas.
- Provide support and assistance to other members of the administration team as required, acting as an all-rounder who helps ensure efficient and effective functioning of her team.
Whilst most of her work can be transactional and is completed behind the scenes, Rocio finds it rewarding to see her work contribute to delivering critical business objectives.