Introducing the TUC Human Library Series
The Human Library is a growing video collection of Mid Coast people sharing their career journeys, the challenges they've faced, and the values that guide them.
Each story is unique — and each one shows that there's no single path to success. Whether you're a student figuring out your next step or someone guiding others on theirs, these stories are here to spark curiosity, courage and connection.
What you can discover by borrowing a story
In each series, we bring together a diverse group of people from across the Mid Coast region to share their stories of resilience, tenacity, and success. Through candid video interviews, our participants reflect on the milestones, turning points and personal values that have shaped their professional lives.
Among the topics dicussed:
What does your professional life look like currently?
Can you describe a skill that has helped you get to this point?
Looking back, can you think of a specific time when you have used your skill to reach a goal?
What do you love about your professional or personal life now?
What do you think this says about the values that are important to you?
What is one piece of advice you would give your younger self — and what would it mean for your younger self to hear this?
Behind the Project: The TLC Program
The Human Library grew out of the TUC Learning Community (TLC) Project, a place-based initiative that aimed to address the barriers preventing individuals from pursuing personal growth and higher education. These barriers include:
Lack of confidence and self-belief
Disconnection from mentors, supporters, and peers
Limited access to technology and safe spaces
Micro-cultural or socio-cultural environments that may not support endeavours of self-improvement
The TLC Project recognised that an individual's relationship with education is shaped by their personal circumstances and social and cultural influences — not simply by access to technology and study support.
The overarching goal is to develop a vibrant learning community that celebrates collaboration, self-improvement and lifelong learning — one where all residents feel welcome, safe, respected, and supported to explore their own potential.
The vision is for the residents of Taree and the greater Mid Coast to see themselves as part of a large, vibrant community that celebrates learning, creative expression and engagement with culture — initiating a cultural shift that becomes a self-fulfilling legacy for the region.
A Growing Collection
The Human Library now lives on the EduVenture website, tied in with career aspiration resources — continuing its mission to inspire and connect people across the Mid Coast. Visit our EduVenture site to learn more:
This Project was proudly supported by the NSW Government and funded under the joint Australian Government – NSW Government Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements 2018 as part of our TUC Learning Community Project. The views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the views of the New South Wales Government
