Childhood demons drive inspiring Regina

Mother of three Regina Richardson is an inspiring woman.

This year, Ms Richardson was awarded the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student of the year at the State Training awards in September, after being awarded the Durack Institute of Technology’s Aboriginal Student of the Year.

She was nominated for the Indigenous Student of the Year at the National Training Awards last month, and although she didn’t win, she described it as a real honour to have been nominated.

However, her story is one of resilience. Ms Richardson, 36, grew up in Rangeway.

She was the eldest of eight children and came from a background with lots of violence, a lack of education and homelessness.

Ms Richardson said she was abused as a child and suffered trauma as a result.

While volunteering at her children’s school in 2011, she came across a student who was suffering from trauma. It was a meeting that would change her life.

“I thought not a lot has changed since I was a little girl, ” she said.

“(I) saw that I could use my life experiences as strength and start helping people to change their lives.

“I basically wanted to make a change.”

With the desire to positively influence other people’s lives, Ms Richardson decided to further her education in order to gain work in the sector.

However, the prospect of returning to study ‘terrified’ her, and was a challenge she didn’t initially believe she could overcome.

“When I walked into Durack I was absolutely terrified because I didn’t even finish Year 10, ” she said.

“I was thinking I’m going to fail, I’m not going to be what they’re looking for.

“But the way Durack is set up is they want you to succeed, they assisted me every step of the way.”

She completed a Diploma in Counselling and Community Services this month, after completing a Certificate III and IV in Community Services Work, as well as Certificate IV in Youth Work last year.

Next year will see her begin a Bachelor of Social Work and training in trauma.

Ms Richardson said “you are never too old to study”, and education was vital for everyone — no matter their age.

“You’ve got nothing to lose, ” she said.

Ms Richardson said higher education hasn’t just changed her, but it’s benefitting her children, and her wider family.

“It’s something my grandmother made very clear to me as a little girl, because she didn’t have the opportunity to receive an education, ” she said.

“It’s not an option, it’s a necessity. It’s a tool for change.

“I take every opportunity that comes my way.”