Empathy, community and support: Robyn’s interstate journey to success

Robyn Phillips, a proud Djabugay and Yirrganydji woman of the Barron River region in Far North Queensland, was working alongside psychologists and social workers in a flexible learning centre in Cairns when a colleague recognised her profound gift for empathy and patience while handling a sensitive situation at reception. This on-staff psychologist recommended that Robyn tap into her natural gifts and study psychology.

“The rest is history,” says Robyn. 

This kickstarted a journey that would lead Robyn to the community, support and guidance she was seeking. 

Having previously found that face-to-face study wasn’t the right fit for her, especially while working full-time, Robyn decided to undertake a Bachelor of Psychological Sciences through OpenLearning.  

After completing one subject with Swinburne Online, Robyn found the platform user-friendly and teaching staff supportive. Despite being over 2,000 kilometres away, she decided to complete her full degree with Swinburne and quickly found resources that were invaluable in helping her succeed, namely the Moondani Toombadool Centre and AccessAbility services. 

“The support from the teaching staff [at Swinburne] and the Moondani Toombadool Centre is unwavering,” she says.

Prioritising wellness on the path to success

Robyn is currently working as an Executive Assistant for Dr Tracy Westerman at Indigenous Psychological Services after having received a scholarship from The Westerman Jilya Institute for Indigenous Mental Health.  

Robyn acknowledges the importance of looking after yourself while balancing studies and other responsibilities, a sentiment that was echoed in the support she received as a student.

“This was something I struggled a lot with. I felt like I was juggling balls while balancing on a ball.”

“You have to prioritise your mental health and wellbeing to be able to engage in study. If that isn’t a priority, you will collapse under the pressure.”

Robyn remembers that during a period of sickness she received support and encouragement from the Moondani Toombadool Centre in the form of exam flexibility, additional time with her tutor and even a care package delivered to help her recover.   

Tailored support for Indigenous students

The Moondani Toombadool Centre is dedicated to ensuring that all Indigenous students have a positive, inclusive and successful experience at Swinburne and are empowered to realise their full potential.  

Moondani Toombadool means ‘embracing teaching and learning’ in the Woiwurrung language of the Wurundjeri People. The Centre provides tailored support for Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander students at Swinburne, whether they are studying on campus or online. 

“The amazing care and consideration that is shown to Indigenous students by the Moondani Toombadool Centre is second to none.  

“Without the incredible support of the Moondani Toombadool Centre I can unequivocally say that I would not have successfully completed my degree or been able to attend my graduation ceremony.”

Real-world impact

Through her studies, Robyn has seen firsthand the impact of, and need for, culturally informed and relevant research in universities. 

During an Introduction to Research Methods class, Robyn completed an assignment which asked the question ‘Indigenous high school students: is the disengagement caused by issues of cultural relevance and competency within their classrooms?’ 

This research assignment led Robyn to write a program for the Indigenous girls at the school she was working for at the time.

“The program made a huge difference, [with] a significant drop in the number of incidents involving the Indigenous girls at the school.”

Robyn is now looking towards an Honours program in 2025. She continues to open doors and create opportunities for impact within local Indigenous communities through both her work and her commitment to further study at Swinburne.