Charles Sturt University Alumni and former Narrandera resident Rachael McDermott, is helping change lives in her community.

Her journey into social work began long before she ever stepped into a lecture theatre.

Drawn to helping others but not yet ready for university, Rachael started with a Diploma of Community Welfare at TAFE - a manageable first step during a challenging time in her life.

Rachael spent close to five years working in the field, gaining hands-on experience, discovering her strengths.

She felt a pull to deepen her skills and broaden her impact. That’s when she set her sights on Charles Sturt’s Social Work degree.

“I was pleasantly surprised to receive a full year of credit toward my Bachelor of Social Work. It made the transition much smoother,” she said.

After graduating, life shifted again.

As a stay at home mum of two, Rachael still felt the pull to wanting more. So, she enrolled in the Master of Advanced Social Work Practice, studying online.

“I didn’t want to lose my skills. I wanted to keep my mind active in the field, continue learning, and grow professionally, even while managing the demands of motherhood,” she said.

Today, Rachael is a Mental Health Clinician at LikeMind, working primarily with adults experiencing mental health issues and/or illness often underpinned by significant trauma.

“I feel like I’ve been through the darkness and emerged on the other side, carrying both lived and professional experience. That combination has equipped me with the skills and insight to work in this field and help others find hope and break free from their own struggles,” she said.

Rachael’s story is a reminder of the strength, compassion and resilience at the heart of social work, and the profound impact social workers make every day.