How Natalie found her future through CIT Yurauna

For Natalie the journey to CIT Yurauna was far from easy. From a young age, her life was shaped by addiction, incarceration and instability. Growing up surround by alcoholism, violence and abandonment, Natalie turned to drugs as a means of survival. At the time, she believed substance use was what kept her alive through some of her darkest moments.

It was during her most recent period of incarceration at Alexander Maconochie Centre two years ago that Natalie decided she needed to break the cycle she was in. After her release she went to the Ngunnawal Bush Healing Farm, a place  dedicated to helping First Nations people heal, and to feel safe and supported to make ongoing and meaningful changes in their lives. It was during her time there that Natalie was encouraged to return to education to help turn her life around.

Seeing one of her friends who is a staff member at the Ngunnawal Bush Healing Farm who had come from a similar background and successfully turned his life around was a turning point for her.

“He came from the same life that I came from and turned his life around – if he can do it, I thought I can do it too,” Natalie reflects.

Beginning a new journey at CIT Yurauna

Motivated to make a change, Natalie enrolled at CIT Yurauna where she completed a Certificate III in Community Services followed by a Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs. What stood out most to her during her time at CIT was the sense of belonging.

For Natalie, CIT Yurauna was a place where she felt welcomed into society again without judgment. “They walked beside me in my journey, struggles and achievements,” she says. “That kind of support was really encouraging.”

When Natalie first entered the classroom, she was filled with self-doubt. Speaking in front of others particularly through role plays, felt impossible.

“I thought there was no way I could do this,” she says.

By the end of her studies, that fear had transformed into confidence. Not only was she participating in role play scenarios in class, but she was also supporting her classmates through their role plays. Natalie credits much of this growth in confidence to the encouragement of her teachers and fellow students, who believed in her even when she struggled to believe in herself.

Before enrolling at CIT Yurauna, Natalie never imaged herself returning to education. She believed school was for ‘other people’ not for someone with her past, CIT Yurauna changed that perspective for her.

“It showed me that I had the capability and that I really do have a future,” she says. “Now I can support others on their journey too.”

“By the time I finished my studies at CIT Yurauna, I didn’t doubt myself anymore. That confidence is the most valuable skill I gained,” she says.

Realising she made the right decision

For Natalie it was the moment she received her excellence award for her certificate III in Community Services that she knew she made the right decision in turning her life around.

“It made me realise that I am capable, I can do this and it was in that moment that I felt that I belonged,” she says.

To Natalie CIT Yurauna represents safety, stability and acceptance.

“I felt safe, accepted and wasn’t judged, it gave me stability instead of the chaos I was used to. Being able to tell my story without fear – that was huge for me,” Natalie reflects.

Natalie consistently felt welcomed, supported and encouraged throughout her studies, an experience that made a lasting impact on her life. Having a culturally safe learning environment was essential to Natalie’s success.

“I didn’t have to shrink myself to fit in,” she says. “I could walk in as who I am and where I came from and be the person I am and that was a big thing.”

The sense of cultural safety, combined with strong support and encouragement, gave Natalie the confidence to grow without compromising her identity.

The impact of the new CIT Yurauna building

When Natalie returned to CIT to see the new Yurauna building she was amazed to see the new space.

“The community spaces are amazing, and it gives us that opportunity to come together. Whether it’s having a yarn in the outdoor area or the community room it’s amazing to see these spaces reflect the strong sense of community. Just being amongst the bush, and being able to have that feeling that your back on country while you’re learning is amazing,” She says.

For Natalie and the broader community, the new CIT Yurauna building represents progress and opportunity. “It’s a powerful step forward,” she says. “To support us culturally in a safe space and give young ones the opportunity to study and build a future, it’s a huge thing.”

Natalie sees the investment as a long-term commitment to First Nations people and future generations.

Shaping the path ahead and advice for First Nations and Torres Strait Islander students.

Natalie’s experience at CIT Yurauna now enables her to support others on their healing journey. She works with people who have faced similar challenges, using her lived experience to guide and support them.

“I can help people navigate their journey because I’ve walked the path myself,” she says.

Natalie encourages First Nations and Torres Strait Islander people considering study at CIT to believe in their place in education.

“You do belong in the classroom. Don’t let your past dictate your future,” she says. “You’ll be welcomed, supported and encouraged every step of the way.”

She describes CIT Yurauna as “a place of healing, culture and education, where great possibilities come together.”

Natalie’s story stands as a powerful example of how education, cultural safety and unwavering support can change lives and help create a brighter future.

Learn more about studying at CIT Yurauna.