Learning without limits: Natalie’s study journey
Learning without limits: Natalie’s Study Journey Natalie grew up in York and now lives in Merredin, firmly rooted in The Wheatbelt. Her education journey is shaped by curiosity, persistence and a deep love of learning. Natalie has completed multiple degrees, across different study modes as technology evolved. She jokes that she once set herself the […]
Staying close to country: Sian’s study journey
Staying close to country: Sian’s study journey Finding her way after school Sian grew up in the wide, golden stretches of Wyalkatchem. The kind of childhood where space, family, and farm life shape you long before you realise it. After finishing Year 12, she did what many young people feel pressured to do and chose […]
Creating Connection: Aash’s story of community and leadership
Creating connection: Aash’s story of community and leadership Life across continents Aash likes to joke that when people ask where he’s from, the answer depends on who’s asking. His family is Indian, he was born in Zambia, grew up in Zimbabwe, moved to Kalgoorlie, and now calls Ellenbrook home. “I’m from everywhere, really,” he laughs. […]
From horses to higher degrees: Annette’s path to a PhD
From horses to higher degrees: Annette’s path to a PhD Growing up on her family farm in the central Wheatbelt, Annette always loved two things: life in the country and horses. For many regional students, the thought of university can feel like a huge leap and returning to study later in life can seem even […]
Peggy Olsson’s Lifelong Learning Journey: Family, Flexibility, and Finding Her Path
Peggy Olsson’s Lifelong Learning Journey: Family, Flexibility, and Finding Her Path For Peggy Olsson, education has never been a straight line it’s been a winding, rewarding journey marked by courage, commitment, and family support. Now a teacher at Beacon Primary School, Peggy recently completed her postgraduate degree with Curtin University, all while juggling her roles […]
From Physiotherapy to Health Promotion: Jo’s Education Journey
From Physiotherapy to Health Promotion: Jo’s Education Journey Life Long Learning For many, the idea of returning to study after years in the workforce and/or raising a family can be daunting. However, for Jo, lifelong learning became a way to expand her skills, embrace new challenges, and make a real difference in rural health. […]
Pioneering Paths: Jess Daniels’ Journey in Health Promotion
Pioneering Paths: Jess Daniels’ Journey in Health Promotion We caught up with our Narrogin Lumen Study Hub neighbour, Jess Daniels from Holyoake to hear more about her educational journey. Jess’s story is one of determination, adaptability and following your intuition. It was truly inspiring to hear Jess explain how she wanted something, saw an opportunity […]
Chris – graduating ahead of time
Meet Chris! Chris graduated with a Diploma of Counselling ahead of time in early 2024. In 2023, whilst in a role as a lecturer at Leederville TAFE, Chris enrolled in a Diploma of Counselling through Central Regional TAFE Kalgoorlie. Living in York, he was not able to attend classes in person and decided to study […]
Rain Rodenburg: Embracing Opportunities and Supporting Students in Merredin
Rain Rodenburg:Embracing Opportunities and Supporting Students in Merredin Rain Rodenburg, Lumen’s Study Hubs Coordinator in Merredin, brings a unique perspective to her role, shaped by her background in both education and cultural exchange. Born and raised in the Netherlands, Rain explains, “We don’t have school buses. We all cycle to school. We don’t have school […]
Shannon Diamond: Building Her Knowledge for a Bright Future
Shannon Diamond: Building Her Knowledge for a Bright Future Meet Shannon Diamond, a dedicated student pursuing a Bachelor of Science with a double major in Conservation and Wildlife Biology and Environmental Science and Management at Murdoch University. Originally from Pingelly, Shannon has always been drawn to the natural world. “Growing up in a rural area, […]
Lifelong Learning: Mandy Walker’s Journey
Lifelong Learning: Mandy Walker’s Journey During Adult Learners Week, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Mandy Walker, the 2024 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award Western Australia State Winner. Mandy is not only a local business owner and advocate, but also a dedicated student at Lumen’s Wongan Hills University Study Hub. Here’s her inspiring story […]
Adult Learners Week: Lisa’s Story
“I believe that you are never too old to undertake study and upskill. I am Lisa, Student Support Officer with York Lumen Study Hub. I am passionate about education and ensuring that everyone, especially rural and remote students, have the opportunity to continue their educational journey. In 2016, as a single mother of eight, I […]
Leanne’s Success Story
Meet Leanne! Leanne is a busy bee and studying a double major; Community Development and Sociology at Murdoch University. She chose these majors because she wants to help her community. Leanne is also heavily involved in the local State Emergency Services (SES). She is originally from Parmelia and moved regularly throughout her life until settling […]
Bella’s Success Story
Meet Bella! She has recently completed her Doctor of Physiotherapy (Extended Masters) at Curtin University after completing her Bachelor of Science in Exercise, Sports and Rehabilitation. Bella is originally from Wongan Hills, but now calls Bruce Rock home. She always wanted to be a Physiotherapist – see her Year 6 yearbook photo! Bella learnt quite […]
Eion’s Success Story
Lumen brings you the story of how Eion grew into the successful Chartered Accountant he is today! The Lumen team are passionate about education, boosting the potential of future generations and understanding the needs of communities like ours across the Wheatbelt. To better understand and support those studying in our region, we headed out into […]