From Study to Service: Di’s Journey Towards Supporting Regional Mental Health

Today, with just two subjects and placements remaining in the second year of her Master’s degree with Charles Sturt University, she’s preparing for the final stages of becoming a psychologist, a career she hopes will make a real difference in her local community.

“It’s still a little surreal,” Di says. “After so many years of study, I’m finally on the home stretch.”

That journey hasn’t always been straightforward. Like many mature-age students, Di had to relearn how to navigate university while balancing the demands of everyday life. Rather than focusing on the finish line, she concentrated on getting through one subject, one assessment and one semester at a time.

Now, she’s taking a moment to reflect on how far she has come.

Finding support along the way

For Di, CUC Goulburn became much more than a place to study.

In the early days, the practicalities of university felt overwhelming. Learning new systems, accessing online classes and understanding academic expectations all presented challenges. At times, Di questioned whether she could continue.

“I was so tempted in the beginning to quit because I just didn’t know what I was doing,” she says.

Instead, she found a support network ready to help. From study spaces and reliable internet to academic guidance and encouragement, CUC Goulburn provided the support she needed to keep moving forward.

“Without them, I may have given up in the very beginning.”
– Di Whittle

Years later, that support remains just as important.

“The staff have always been there to help me achieve my goals,” Di says. “They’re my biggest cheerleaders.”

Di at work at CUC Goulburn.

Turning learning into impact

As Di moves closer to becoming a practicing psychologist, she’s thinking about the impact she wants to have, not only on individuals but on the broader community.

She hopes to provide a safe, compassionate space for people experiencing mental health challenges and contribute to addressing the growing need for psychological services in regional areas.

“I want to offer compassion and provide a safe space for people when they need it most.”
– Di Whittle

Di is equally passionate about supporting the next generation of students. Having experienced the isolation that can come with online study, particularly in a demanding field like psychology, she wants future students to know they don’t have to navigate it alone.

“I’d love to be able to tell another student, ‘This is tough, but I got through it and so will you.'”

The value of local support

Bella Lesslie, Centre Manager at CUC Goulburn, has watched Di’s journey from the beginning.

“We’ve known Di since we first opened and since she began her career change into psychology,” Bella says.

While psychology is a demanding pathway, Bella says Di approached every challenge with determination, demonstrating “conscientiousness, resilience and tenacity” throughout her studies.

Over the years, Bella has seen Di grow not only in knowledge and confidence, but also in her vision for the future.

“We’ve been lucky to have Di connected with CUC Goulburn throughout her degrees,” she says. “It’s been wonderful to see her develop and explore where this path might take her.”

For Bella, Di’s success demonstrates the role local study hubs can play in helping regional students achieve their goals.

“Having a space, people to talk to and people who understand the challenges of online study is critical.”

But the impact doesn’t stop with graduation. Regional communities across Australia continue to face shortages of mental health professionals, and Bella believes stories like Di’s show why supporting local students matters.

“Very simply, we need more psychologists. People who can stay local while studying are more likely to stay local while working.”
– Bella Lesslie, Centre Manager, CUC Goulburn

Looking ahead

As she continues her Master’s studies, Di is excited about what comes next. She can finally see the career she has worked so hard towards taking shape.

Her advice to others considering study, especially after a long break, is simple.

“Don’t find all the reasons why you can’t do it. Just start.”
– Di Whittle

For Di, that decision opened the door to a new career, new opportunities and the chance to give back to the community she calls home. Soon, it will also allow her to support others to do the very same.