'They moved mountains for me and my children'

Robyn, a Bundjalung and Kamilaroi nation woman, is closer to her dreams of working in Christian ministry in First Nations communities now that she can maintain a stable, secure home.

The single mum of 5 thought she’d have to decline an invitation to attend a recent workshop at Darwin’s Nungalinya College because of the travel costs – but then the Ipswich Housing Service Centre (HSC) team stepped in. Because Robyn has always been ahead in her social housing rent, she was able to draw on the surplus to attend the workshop and learn more about translating scripture into First Nations languages.

'They made it possible for me to attend. It was such a joy for me,' Robyn said. 'We learnt how to translate scripture and how to engage with other nationalities and Indigenous people, and how to respect language, and their way of living and culture.'

Robyn is now translating Bible verses into Yugumbeh, the language of her late mother Marlene.

'Language is really important to our people because we all speak different languages, we all got different dialects, and some people still understand their own language better than English.'

Robyn says that becoming a Christian nearly a decade ago has transformed her life, which was once marred by violence, substance abuse and homelessness.

'I’d taken my children to the pool and met an Aboriginal man, who was a pastor, and his wife. They invited me to church. That was it – I haven’t looked back. My life began to change for the better. I see myself now as a strong independent mother and role model for my son and daughters,' she says.

Robyn’s children are now aged between 6 and 24 years, and she says that they received 'amazing' support from the Ipswich HSC when she moved to Queensland in 2019 for a fresh start.

'Their support has enabled me to make the right choices and has given me the opportunity to move forward, to be able to build a more stable home and healthier environment for my family,' Robyn says.

'They moved mountains to give me and my children an opportunity to start again.'

'I strive to move forward in giving my children a brighter future and teaching them how to make positive decisions in life when you are faced with adversity. I want to encourage other single mothers out there – if I can do it, anyone can do it.'

As part of the Our Place Action Plan, we're delivering more culturally responsive services that meet the needs of First Nations peoples living in Queensland, like Robyn.

If you or someone you know needs housing help

Call 13 QGOV (13 74 68) or contact your local Housing Service Centre.

If you are experiencing or are at risk of homelessness, contact the Homeless Hotline for free on 1800 474 753 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week).

Find out more about housing help and support.