Lisa Roe grew up in Geraldton, Western Australia, living and working on a cattle station. For a long time, she assumed this was where her future lay. But deep down, she knew it wasn’t what she really wanted.
“Living and working on cattle stations, I met so many people from all over the world and all walks of life,” Lisa says. “I started reflecting on my life and what the future was for me.”
That reflection led Lisa to make a brave decision. She left Geraldton and moved to Derby, away from family and everything she knew, to forge her own path.
How did Lisa discover her passion for early childhood education?
Lisa found work at Derby District High School as an education assistant and quickly discovered how much she loved being in a learning environment. She watched the way her colleagues taught and noticed how each student responded in the classroom.
“I’m like a sponge that soaks everything up and still wants to gain more,” Lisa says. “I just want to fill my curious mind.”
While raising her own children and working at the school, Lisa enrolled in an education support course through TAFE. But she still wanted to learn more. When she came across an advertisement for online study, she decided to give it a go and enrolled in Swinburne’s Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Teaching).
What challenges did Lisa face during online study?
At first, balancing work, study and family felt like a leap into the deep end.
“Earlier in my studies, I tried to balance it all on my own, and I was falling into a place where I was finding it hard to take control of my journey,” Lisa says.
Online learning gave Lisa flexibility, but it was also isolating at times. She describes the experience as “swimming through muddy water,” until she discovered the Moondani Toombadool Centre, Swinburne’s dedicated support service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
How does the Moondani Toombadool Centre support Indigenous students?
Established in 2018, the Moondani Toombadool Centre oversees all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander matters at Swinburne, including student support and success services, teaching and learning, research, staff, culture, engagement and governance.
For Lisa, that first phone call changed everything.
“Once I found out there was an Indigenous support centre and I reached out, that was the real start of my journey and achievements,” she says.
The Moondani Toombadool Centre team helped Lisa with enrolment, assignments, deadlines and communication with the university. Just as importantly, the team gave her connection, community and encouragement throughout her studies.
“The Moondani Toombadool Centre gave me the direction to believe in myself, and anything is possible if you believe in yourself,” Lisa says.
What did Lisa learn beyond the curriculum?
The Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Teaching) explores innovative teaching methods, with units on nature play, social justice, sustainability and Indigenous knowledges. Lisa found herself deeply engaged with the content and determined to put her learning into practice.
Her confidence grew with every challenge. She remembers being terrified about filming an assignment on camera about the importance of reading in early childhood.
“I was terrified about my appearance and if I was talking properly, if my English was good,” she recalls.
But she completed the assignment, and slowly, small wins built her confidence: a passed subject, a kind word from a tutor, a goal achieved.
Where is Lisa now?
Lisa still works at Derby District High School, where the children she supports greet her with easy smiles and cheeky banter. She’s now in the final stages of her degree, with her sights set on becoming a qualified teacher and continuing to guide young people in her community.
“Looking at where I was and where I am now is incredible. I have grown so much. Anything is possible,” Lisa says.
Start your own journey with Swinburne
Lisa’s advice for anyone considering studying at Swinburne is simple: “Do it. It’s worth the laughter, the tears and the achievement.”
Find out more about our Indigenous Student Services or talk to one of our Course Consultants about how the team can help you achieve your study and career goals.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Moondani Toombadool Centre?
The Moondani Toombadool Centre is Swinburne University’s dedicated service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander matters. It provides student support and success services alongside teaching, research, culture and governance functions.
What support does Swinburne offer Indigenous students studying online?
Indigenous students studying online at Swinburne can access help with enrolment, assignments, deadlines and communication with the university through the Moondani Toombadool Centre, alongside ongoing community connection and encouragement.
What can I study through Swinburne’s Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Teaching)?
The course covers innovative teaching methods and includes units on nature play, social justice, sustainability and Indigenous knowledges, preparing graduates for careers in early childhood education.
How do I get in touch with the Moondani Toombadool Centre?
You can contact the Moondani Toombadool Centre by emailing indigenousstudents@swinburne.edu.au to discuss how the team can support your study and career goals.
Editor’s Note: Full article featured in September issue of the Koori Mail
Publish date: 20 Oct 2026
*Please note that fees and/or statistics are subject to change each year.
