Siobhan Farquhar is studying a Bachelor of Psychology at UWA, with a minor in Cross-Cultural Communication, and recently travelled to the Pilbara town of Tom Price to support the work of the Nintirri Centre through a McCusker Centre for Citizenship internship.
“I was drawn to the opportunity to gain practical experience in a setting that challenged me to grow professionally and personally,” Siobhan said.
“I knew I wanted a regional placement to fully step out of my comfort zone, and I wanted to try and make a difference in the lives of others, particularly in marginalised communities.”
Siobhan’s role with the Nintirri Centre tasked her with taking the not-for-profit community centre’s historical records and creating a report to highlight how its services have evolved to meet the needs of people in Tom Price and nearby communities.
“The report I developed will serve as a valuable resource for the organisation, preserving Nintirri’s legacy while informing future initiatives and planning for a sustainable future.
“I was able to strengthen my skills in community engagement, research, analysis. The ability to assess past initiatives and use historical evidence to inform decision making is a valuable skill in any field, and particularly for roles related to community development and policy, which I am interested in,” she said.
Along with her primary project, the internship gave Siobhan opportunities to support Nintirri’s community outreach activities.
“One of the most meaningful experiences was travelling to Wakathuni to assist the community nurse for the day. This provided me with valuable insight into the challenges faced by remote communities and highlighted the importance of accessible healthcare.
“I was inspired by the strength of communities, but the internship also opened my eyes to challenges including isolation and vulnerability, disparities in living conditions, and limited access to essential services. It helped me develop a greater appreciation for community-driven initiatives and motivated me to commit to my studies so I can make a difference in the future.”
Kristen Blundson, HR Manager at the Nintirri Centre, said that Siobhan’s contribution to the history project “kickstarted something that had been on the to do list for many years”.
“Siobhan’s project was about capturing the many facets of remote communities at a very crucial time as Nintirri prepares for its Strategic Planning for 2025-2030 as well as its 40-year anniversary celebration in 2025. It was to create something lasting in a region, town, and organisation that are known for their transient nature,” Ms Blundson said.
“It really brought home how we are still facing the same challenges that were existent 40 years ago, and at the same time how far we have come to tackle these.
“Siobhan slotted right in with the team, working proactively and autonomously. She provided unique perspectives with her observations and experiences. Our first experience with a McCusker Intern couldn’t have been better and we are hopeful to see Siobhan up here again in the region when she has completed her degree,” Ms Blundson said.
Siobhan said she would recommend the internship program for students who were looking to make a positive impact, and she shared advice for prospective interns:
“Don’t simply complete the allocated tasks for your host organisation, but fully immerse yourself in the experience. Throw yourself into every opportunity, learn as much as possible and actively seek out new experiences. A proactive approach will allow you to broaden your perspective on social issues, and help you make the most of a great opportunity for professional and personal growth.”