❝ With Retirement on the Horizon, Kerry Took a U-turn.

With retirement on the horizon, Kerry Ferguson took a U-turn instead, setting her sights on a brand-new career. After spending more than 20 years working on farms, she left Moree for Gunnedah, where an entirely new chapter of her life was about to begin.

Long before enrolling at Community College Northern Inland (CCNI), Kerry’s experiences caring for her 94-year-old mother and supporting her granddaughter, who has Level 3 autism, had already shaped the path she would eventually choose.

“My granddaughter taught me a lot about disability,” she said. “Being involved in her journey gave me so much reward.”

Those experiences helped Kerry discover just how rewarding caring for others can be. For the first time, she began to see that helping people wasn’t just something she enjoyed—it was something she could do for a living.

Soon after arriving in Gunnedah, she contacted Community College Northern Inland (CCNI) and enrolled in the Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability).

“It was the best thing I could have done,” she said.

Throughout the 12-month course, Kerry says the support she received from the Gunnedah campus team, including Cass, Carol and trainer Donna, made all the difference.

“They were all so helpful and did everything they could to help me get to the finish line on graduation day. I will always be grateful to them.”

As part of her qualification, Kerry completed 120 hours of work placement with Sunnyfield in Gunnedah, gaining valuable practical experience while building her confidence in supporting people living with disability.

Just six weeks after graduating came the phone call she had been hoping for.

“Sunnyfield offered me a job. I was stoked! I had not only earned my certificate, but also employment in a place I really enjoyed.”

Among those celebrating on graduation day were Tim Richter, Team Leader, and Laura Cesta, Service Manager, from Sunnyfield Disability Services Gunnedah Hub, who came along to support Kerry and fellow graduate Sadie Bryant as they celebrated their achievements.

Gunnedah Campus Coordinator Cassandra Duncan said Kerry’s journey reflected the determination and enthusiasm she brought to every stage of her training.

“Kerry embraced every opportunity throughout her studies, particularly during her work placement with Sunnyfield. She approached every challenge with enthusiasm and a genuine desire to learn, and it was wonderful to see that commitment recognised with employment. Seeing Kerry graduate, with representatives from Sunnyfield there to celebrate alongside her, was a proud moment for all of us.”

For Kerry, graduation wasn’t the end of her learning journey. It was the next step towards a future she never thought possible.