Isobelle turns empathy into community impact
Double TAFE Queensland graduate Isobelle Fawkes has turned her natural ability to support others into practical skills that are making a difference in the Gold Coast community.
“Counselling felt like a practical way to turn empathy and life experience into professional skills that could genuinely help people.”
Before studying counselling and mental health, Isobelle spent much of her working life in retail management. While she enjoyed working with people, she realised it was listening, encouraging others and helping them through difficult situations that meant the most to her.
Isobelle completed the Diploma of Counselling (CHC51015) in 2024 before continuing with the Diploma of Mental Health (CHC53315) in 2025 at TAFE Queensland’s Southport campus.
“I chose TAFE Queensland because I wanted training that was practical, nearby to where I live and connected to the real community services sector and achievable alongside the rest of my very busy life.”
Through role plays, practical exercises, group discussions and placement, Isobelle learnt how to apply course theory in real situations.
“TAFE felt like a place where practical capability mattered, not just passing an assessment.”
While balancing part-time study with work and everyday responsibilities was not always easy, a $5,000 TAFE Queensland scholarship helped Isobelle cover books, study materials, travel and placement-related expenses.
“A scholarship can be the difference between wanting to study and being able to keep studying.”
Placement became one of the most valuable parts of Isobelle’s training and led her to continue supporting people affected by alcohol and other drug challenges through Drug ARM.
“Placement was not something I wanted to finish and forget, it led me to continue at Drug ARM. I do not want to fix people. I want to help create the kind of conversation where they can see their own next step.”
Isobelle now uses skills including active listening, open-ended questions, reflective responses, goal setting and practical planning in her work with the organisation.
“One of the moments that stayed with me was hearing a client say that I was the first person who had treated them as though they were not broken.”
After being named the 2025 TAFE Queensland Student of the Year, Isobelle has now been recognised as a 2026 Westfield Local Heroes finalist for her work in the community.
The recognition has already secured $5,000 for Drug ARM, with a further $20,000 available for its outreach programs if Isobelle receives the highest number of community votes.
“What I like most about the Westfield Local Heroes recognition is that it also shines a light on Drug ARM and on the many people who quietly do this work every week.”
Isobelle plans to continue building her experience through community work and hopes to pursue further university study in psychology.
“Whatever the exact job title is in the future, I want the purpose to stay the same: helping people feel respected, helping them see that change is possible, and contributing to a community where support is available before a difficult situation becomes a crisis.”