Scholarship helps Tiarnie help others

After previously working in accounting and administration, Tiarnie returned to TAFE Queensland to study community services online, completing a Certificate III, Certificate IV and Diploma of Community Services.

Tiarnie was drawn to community services by a desire to help people experiencing crisis, particularly those navigating homelessness, disability, domestic and family violence, housing stress and complex government or support systems.

“I thought about what the most frightening situation for me would be, and that was being homeless with a child and having nowhere to go,” Tiarnie said.

While she was determined to change direction professionally, Tiarnie said committing to study as a sole parent came with significant financial pressure.

Receiving a $5,000 TAFE Queensland Access and Equity Scholarship helped ease that pressure and gave her the confidence to continue working towards a career in community services.

“I think it really made the decision for me to continue my studies,” Tiarnie said.

“Taking $5,000 off my shoulders was a substantial weight lifted. I honestly don’t know if I would have gone ahead without that support.”

Tiarnie said the scholarship helped make study feel achievable at a time when she was balancing parenting, work, everyday living costs and the demands of completing her qualification.

“The cost-of-living crisis is crazy. People are pushing through any way they can, so having this scholarship as an option is amazing. It really is.”

Since completing her diploma, Tiarnie has begun working independently as a support worker, assisting clients with administration, appointments, housing matters, NDIS-related support, organisation and advocacy.

She said her studies gave her practical skills in advocacy, case management, communication, documentation and professional boundaries, as well as a stronger sense of confidence in the career path ahead.

Tiarnie said the support she received throughout her studies played an important role in helping her reach the finish line.

“I’d also love to acknowledge the wonderful community of people who helped me through my studies,” Tiarnie said.

“I’m incredibly grateful to my teachers, colleagues and classmates. I truly couldn’t have done it without their support and encouragement. They were such a huge part of my journey.”

Tiarnie hopes to continue building her experience and move further into advocacy or case management, particularly supporting people experiencing crisis, homelessness, disability or domestic and family violence.

She encouraged other students considering a TAFE Queensland Scholarship to apply, even if they doubt they will be successful.

“Honestly, I think most people would think, ‘I won’t get it, so I won’t apply’, and that was exactly how I felt,” Tiarnie said.

“Everybody should just give it a shot. There’s no harm in trying. If you don’t get it, you don’t get it, but it can make such a massive difference.”

TAFE Queensland scholarships are designed to help students overcome financial and social barriers to study and pursue training that can lead to meaningful career outcomes.

Since its launch in 2015, the TAFE Queensland Scholarship Program has awarded more than $3.7 million to help Queenslanders pursue their career goals.

Applications for the 2026 round close on 30 September 2026, with 100 scholarships valued at $5,000 each available.