Tracey’s journey to a new calling

Set to graduate with a Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs / Diploma of Mental Health (CHC53215 / CHC53315) dual award from TAFE Queensland later this year, Tracey MacDonald is already making an impact in her role with Drug ARM, where she works at the Maryborough Correctional Centre to support individuals on their path to rehabilitation.

“After an injury ended my 15-year career as a diesel fitter, I was left wondering, ‘What now?’” Tracey recalled. “During that time, I’d struggled with substance use myself, and I wanted to understand why—to step into a space where I could make a difference for people dealing with the same challenges.”

Her lived experience proven invaluable in her work at the correctional centre, where she’s known for her ability to connect with individuals on the journey to recovery.

“The correctional centre has given me incredible feedback. It’s a tough environment but acknowledging and validating the people in the room and hearing ‘Miss, you helped me so much’—that’s what makes it all worth it.”

Tracey’s journey began with completing a Certificate IV in Youth Work (CHC40421) from TAFE Queensland, which led her work with at-risk youth. Initially applying as a volunteer, she was surprised to be offered a full-time position, giving her a hands-on role in guiding and mentoring young people.

This experience inspired her to pursue a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAE40122), also through TAFE Queensland, which opened up new opportunities to teach and support others in meaningful ways.

However, her true calling became clear when she joined Drug ARM as an Alcohol and Other Drugs Case Worker, working in a correctional setting where her understanding and empathy became her greatest assets.

“I can relate really well with the individuals I work with,” Tracey said. “To be able to provide guidance from a place of understanding is powerful.”

With a determination to build on her experiences, Tracey chose to pursue a dual diploma in Alcohol and Other Drugs and Mental Health through TAFE Queensland’s online program.

“I wanted the seated background information to support my experience,” Tracey explained. “Doing this course has felt like Pandora’s box opening up—it’s removed the stigma for me. I’m not ashamed of my journey anymore. It’s led me to where I am now.”

For Tracey, studying under teacher Eileen Newman has been an inspiring experience. “Eileen has told me that my assessments keep improving,” she said.

“Eileen and Greg Latham from the mental health team at TAFE Queensland’s Townsville (Pimlico) campus have been incredibly supportive. Their support, enthusiasm, and passion for knowledge all come through in everything they do. They don’t just teach; they challenge us to dig deeper, to think differently.”

Eileen Newman spoke highly of Tracey’s commitment and growth. “When Tracey puts her mind to something and sets a goal, she is dedicated to breaking down the steps in how she can achieve it,” she said. “Tracey’s dedication to the course came through in attending class in her lunch breaks, striving to improve in each assessment submission, and taking her learnt knowledge to working with a person.”

“She has a passion for supporting a person to make sense of their life and situation and look at ways to improve their current circumstances to live a life that is meaningful and purposeful,” Ms Newman added.

Tracey’s supervisor at Drug ARM, Kirsti Insch, also spoke to her contributions. “Tracey is a valued team member at Drug ARM. We have seen her skill development within the Corrective Services Program, so much so we have been able to expand her group delivery expertise into other specialised education programs within Drug ARM, like our Plan. Drive. Survive Comprehensive training,” Ms Insch said.

As she looks to the future, Tracey is excited about continuing her work, with a particular interest in group facilitation and techniques like cognitive behavioural therapy and motivational interviewing.

“It’s opened up my mind to new perspectives,” she says. “It opens my mind to respect the person in front of me, to understand them without judgment.”

For Tracey, this journey has been about reclaiming her life and using her experience to bring hope to others.

“The road here wasn’t easy,” she reflects, “but it’s worth every step. I want to be that guiding light and hold hope for others—helping them find the courage and tools they need to make lasting change.”