See what the road to University really looks like for those living in regional or country Australia. We want to show you how it’s highly likely there’s only 6 degrees of separation between you, the career - and the life - you want.
Want to share your story? Contact us at podcast@tareeuni.org.au
“I'm not doing anything that I wouldn't already be doing; I'm just getting paid to do something I love.”
From juggling motherhood and full-time work to navigating the challenges of online study during COVID-19, Anique emphasizes the importance of persistence and self-value in pursuing educational and career goals.
Read More“If you just reach out, talk to anyone around you who might be able to help and support, reach out to the uni, and there is support out there. And if I can do it, anyone can do it.”
In this episode we welcome Jo Burge as she reflects on her unconventional path to study, starting with a challenging high school experience, progressing through TAFE diplomas, and finding passion in community service roles.
Read More“I also think it is important to ... go out into the world and see what else is there and bring different ideas back into your community.”
Janine Roberts, co-founder of Midcoast Stories, holds degrees in Arts and Education from UQ and QUT. Formerly a Mandarin Chinese teacher, she transitioned to research and education at the University of Queensland.
Read MoreToday we're joined by Evan Weller, our Campus Coordinator here at Taree Universities Campus.
“There's many, many doors that you need to knock on in proper university to get to the right person. So that's where a lot of the struggle is with students.
That's why I like the role that I'm in now, it’s helping the students get to that right person rather than waiting 48 hours for an email response.”
Read More“I actually really value the pathway that I took, because the TAFE diploma gave me that practical experience, I was able to really see how things worked on the ground.
I feel like each step was really essential to where I'm at.”
Today we get to hear from Sarah Wilkinson, a community engagement coordinator at Ronald McDonald House Forster.
Let's get started!
Read More“Most students just need that help to get them through and to help them regulate. If you can master that when you're a student, then off you go to uni or out to work, and you're self regulating yourself. You just have a better life.”
Today we're joined by Alison Trudgeon on how her science degree took her to the Northern Territory for a wonderful experience, then moved into primary education and then into special education.
Let's get started!
Read More“You need to make sure everyone's heard, but actually, when you do that, I believe you can really affect change at a more broader level.”
Today we hear from Dr. Claire Stephens, Clinical Psychologist at Dundaloo Allied Health.
Let's get started!
Read More“I absolutely love what I do, it doesn't feel like work to me. I'm still amazed that I was able to turn my hobbies into a successful career”
Today we are joined by Shelley Kurtz, Owner and Graphic Designer at Creative Shell and Art tutor at Paint with Shell. Shelley studied a Bachelor of Visual Communication Design at The University of Newcastle.
Let's dive in!
Read More“For me it was all one step closer to my dream and changing to a career that I wanted to do.”
Today we are joined by Ashwin Singh, Psychologist at Early Connections Manning & Great Lakes.
Let's dive in!
Read More“I try and encourage kids, both spiritually, mentally, but also trying to get them to connect to language if they don't have it. Because there's a lot of culture in language, people don't realise how much culture is in there.”
Today we hear from Debbie Ballangarry. Debbie is studying a Bachelor of Arts in languages and linguistics through Charles Darwin University.
Let's dive in!
Read More“There is a lot of satisfaction in being able to help people with their problems”
Today we hear from Maurie Stack, Chairman of Stacks Law Firm. Maurie has a Bachelor of Law and Master of Law from Sydney University and is on the board of Taree Universities Campus. Let's dive in!
Read More"it has been a tremendous help financially, to be able to stay in the local area and also do the work placement"
Today we will hear from Fiona Wilks, a current student at TUC, who is enrolled at Charles Sturt, transitioning as a Registered Nurse into Aged Care. Let's dive in!
Read More"After many years, I've finally accepted that life is about lifelong learning."
Today we have Darren Mumford. Darren studied a Diploma of Teaching at the University of South Australia and is now head of campus at Yulinbal. Let's dive in!
Read More"With bachelor of construction management, you generally don't go through the entire degree without getting employed, it's a really good degree in that you gain employment pretty quick"
Today we are joined by Taree local Brad Caldon. Brad studied a Bachelor of Construction Management at Newcastle University and now runs residential building company Caldon Group.
Read More"Working as a speech pathologist is fantastic, because there's a lot of flexibility and I get the time to be with my children on weekends and holidays."
Today we are joined by Sophie Nicholls, who is a speech pathologist in Taree. Sophie studied a Bachelor of Arts at Newcastle University, and honors and PhD at University of New England, and a Master's of Speech Pathology at Charles Sturt University.
Read More"The main thing that really inspired me was hearing the kids stories and how when they had those shared conversations, it just brought them all together. And I think it when they're together, they felt stronger".
Today we have Hailey Trudgeon, who is studying a Bachelor of Community Health and a certificate in Narrative Therapy at Taree Universities campus. Let’s dive in.
Read More'I found that studying externally helped my professional role and vice versa. Everything I did in my professional role in tourism and marketing also fit in, and informed my university degree. They just went hand in glove really.'
Today we have Val Schaefer, Community Development Officer with Mission Australia, who's been in the Taree community since 1997 to take up a job with council. Let's dive in!
Read More"I just felt it was time to put my brain back into work again, and so I chose a course"
Today we have Dr Alison McIntosh, the chairperson of our board here at Taree University's campus. Alison has a degree in Urban and Regional Planning from UNE as well as a doctorate in Human Geography. Let's dive in!
Read More"I've always worked with children in the pediatric health space. So you know, the the philosophy and the ethos behind what First Steps Count is trying to achieve really resonated with me."
Today we have Clare Brennan from First Steps Counts, who is their transition manager. Clare has a Bachelor of Applied Science in Speech Pathology from the University of Sydney. Let's dive in!
Read More"Every time I find that I do study, some door opens, or there is some opportunity that presents as a direct result of it."
Today we have Bree Katsamangos, Program Manager of Mission Australia who grew up in Taree, and gained an Honours Degree in Social Science and a Graduate Certificate in Social Impact.
