Tahnee Capon – New South Wales

Tahnee, 36, is a proud Aboriginal woman whose journey is a testament to resilience and determination. She undertook her Certificate III and Certificate IV in Community Services through traineeships with her employer, Rural Outreach and Support Service, studying through Community College Northern Inland (CCNI).

During her Certificate III studies, Tahnee experienced homelessness – one of the most difficult periods of her life. Rather than letting it derail her goals, she pushed on and. moving into Certificate IV alongside stable employment. helped her rebuild her life, giving her renewed purpose, confidence and direction.

Balancing study with full-time work strongly supported Tahnee’s professional growth. She says her confidence has grown significantly since starting her studies, and she now feels more capable in her role, more knowledgeable in her decision-making, and more confident supporting clients and communicating with colleagues.

She credits her studies with providing the theory and framework, while the workplace showed her how to apply that knowledge with real clients. Patience, she says, has been the most valuable skill she’s learned – helping her respond calmly and provide more supportive, respectful care.

Tahnee is a valued member of the Rural Outreach and Support Service team, where she helps others experiencing significant hardship – turning her own lived experience into a source of strength for her community. Her advice to anyone considering a career in Community Services: have patience and empathy, because they’re essential when working with clients.