Curtin University gave me the opportunity to spread my wings and develop my skills in a field I love

I completed my BA Social Work in 2001 working full time and raising a family. I have worked for the Department of Child Protection and its various names for 28 years. This has been in Detention Centres, hostels, residential facilities and finally in a busy district office obtaining the role of Team Leader. I have nothing but praise for anyone who is working in the human services field.

I am currently seconded to the Commonwealth government as a senior social worker on Christmas Island and Cocos (Keeling) Islands. I believe I have one of the best jobs in the world. I work closely with the Malay, Chinese and Caucasian community on Island and love the different cultures and the experience it gives me.

The Island currently is in the middle of the baby red crab migration and this is a magnificent return of the November spawning. We have golden bosuns, brown boobies and emerald doves on Island together with wonderful snorkeling and diving. Cocos (Keeling) Island which is 500 k’s away by plane offers white sandy beaches, palm trees and coconuts and a wonderful turquoise sea in the middle of an atoll. These are the islands once owned by the Clunies-Ross family and steeped in history.

Curtin University gave me the opportunity to spread my wings and develop my skills in a field I love.