India McGuinness inspires at TAFE Queensland Graduation

As a guest speaker at the event, held at the Ville Resort with over 350 guests, India (Indie) McGuiness shared her inspiring story of perseverance and determination.

Indie’s path to success has been marked by challenges. Leaving home at just 13, she lived in a supported homeless shelter before moving into independent housing at 15.

“I didn’t finish Year 8 and struggled in school environments,” Indie recalled. “But enrolling in TAFE Queensland was a huge milestone for me. This is the first thing I’ve ever truly finished—a piece of paper that I’ve worked so hard for.”

Reflecting on her journey, Indie shared how her personal experiences shaped her career aspirations.

“Growing up, I had a lot of involvement with child protection and never received the help I truly needed,” Indie recalled. “My dream has always been to be what I needed when I was younger—someone who can provide person-centred care to those who deserve it.”

While studying online, Indie maintained a full-time job and a weekend role. “It’s been incredibly hard to juggle everything,” she shared.

Despite the challenges, her studies became a source of motivation. “TAFE gave me purpose. My studies kept me focused on my future, and I got my assignments in on time, no matter what.”

Indie credits much of her success to her teacher, Eileen Newman. “Eileen has been my biggest support throughout this course. I wouldn’t have made it without her,” she said.

“She went above and beyond, explaining things in a way I could understand and always checking in to make sure I was on track. She genuinely cares about her students, and her support has been life changing.”

Eileen Newman and Greg Latham, the mental health team at TAFE Queensland’s Townsville (Pimlico) campus who taught Indie during her course, spoke highly of her dedication and growth.

“From the moment we met Indie, we could see the dedication and commitment to her studies to work towards her goal of wanting to support people in the community to live their best life,” they said.

“Indie is passionate about reducing stigma and discrimination and values and acknowledges the uniqueness of the person. Indie works in a way that supports the person to be the expert in their own life and to live, love, work, and play in their community.”

Indie’s dedication, vocational placement opportunities, and qualifications opened doors to a role with QuIHN. Starting as a paid Group Facilitator at Queensland correctional centres during her placement, Indie quickly advanced.

“On January 2, I’ll begin my new role as a dual diagnosis therapist with QuIHN. It’s a massive step up, and I owe a lot to TAFE Queensland for helping me get here,” Indie said.

Her time at QuIHN has been transformative. “QuIHN welcomed me with open arms. They’ve supported me wholeheartedly. They look beyond appearances—I have tattoos, piercings, and pink hair—but they saw me for who I am. This is the first place where I’ve felt I can truly be myself.”

Indie described the most fulfilling part of her work as “breaking the cycle.”

“Whether it’s sitting with someone in crisis, giving them a cup of tea and a safe space, or delivering programs in prisons, the goal is always the same—to make a difference in someone’s life and support the person with substance use concerns and mental health problems. That’s been my dream since I was a child.”

Looking ahead, Indie aspires to continue her work in mental health and alcohol and other drugs and hopes to one day establish youth homeless shelters modelled on the support she received as a teenager.

“I want to create services that not only provide shelter but also offer transitional housing, job assistance, and long-term support. It’s about setting young people up for success.”

Indie’s story is one of many that demonstrate the transformative power of education. The Townsville graduation ceremony honoured students from diverse fields, with the top three courses of graduates including Diploma of Nursing (HLT54121), Certificate IV in Kitchen Management / Diploma of Hospitality Management (SIT40521 / SIT50422), and Certificate III in School Based Education Support (CHC30221).