Vivienne creates meaningful change for her mob and community

A proud Arrernt, Bardi and Wulli Wulli woman, Vivienne is currently studying the Certificate IV in Adult Tertiary Preparation (11240NAT) (ATP) program at TAFE Queensland’s South Bank campus.

She aims to eventually build and lead Indigenous-led support programs grounded in her personal and professional lived experience, strengthened by education.

Born in Darwin and raised in Alice Springs, Vivienne grew up surrounded by her First Nations culture, language and community.

Despite having Greek and Irish heritage, she proudly claims her Aboriginal identity because it raised and shaped her into who she is.

“I grew up basically in pure hardship - you must be strong to thrive in Alice Springs, or you must get out,” Vivienne said.

After graduating high school, Vivienne went straight into work, carving out a deeply impactful career in community service.

Starting in childcare and moving into youth work, aged care, disability support, cultural inclusion programs, and outreach services across Central Australia, she built a career in helping her culture.

“I mostly worked in Indigenous organisations helping Aboriginal people because that just comes second nature to me,” she said.

“Whether it was getting kids into boarding school, camping out bush, or taking Elders out hunting – I’m all about helping people do the things they love but can’t access without support.”

Her work took her from the heart of the Western Desert to the Barkly Region, combining grassroots support with behind-the-scenes program planning, data analysis and reporting to help keep vital services funded and running.

But eventually, she hit a wall.

“I got tired of being part of programs that weren’t working. So, I decided that I wanted a career designing and leading support programs that are effective, culturally safe, and built the right way, by the mob, for the mob,” she explained.

“To do that, I need an education that formalises my knowledge and experience to start and lead cultural inclusion programs on my terms, with the qualifications to back it up.”

That dream brought Vivienne to TAFE Queensland, with her ATP course being the first step in her journey to university, where she’ll complete a double degree in Communications and Arts, majoring in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies and Political Science.

For Vivienne, TAFE Queensland has offered a level of support she’s never experienced. She is thriving with access to knowledgeable and experienced teachers, Indigenous student support, Studiosity, counselling, library services, and a campus community that’s warm and inclusive.

“TAFE Queensland offers students so much support - there’s just too much to fail. As long as you show up and try, you’ll have TAFE people in your corner helping you get through,” she says.

“Indigenous Outcomes Officer Morgan Cotter has also been a massive help. She’s created a safe space in the Indigenous Learning Centre’s Kurilpa Room, a dedicated study space for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, and she always checks in.”

Vivienne’s also found unexpected joy in reconnecting with study.

“I’ve forgotten some of the little things you need to succeed in education, but ATP is helping me rebuild that foundation. It’s boosted my confidence, especially in asking for help and sharing my work - things that used to make me nervous.”

While enjoying every subject, she’s excited to dive into Legal Studies and Environmental Science next semester.

Despite being one of the older students in her class, she’s found friendship, support and motivation in her classmates, proving it’s never too late to start.

Vivienne is walking in the cultural and academic worlds and carving a path for others to follow.

“I want to show others - especially mob - that you can go to TAFE and university and create something powerful from your own story,” Vivienne concluded.