Fifteen years ago, Barossa Regional University Campus (BRUC) student, Cathy Jones was a single mother of two, living in public housing. Having dropped out of school she decided to change her life. She went back to complete Year 11, passed the admissions exam, and was accepted into a Law/Commerce degree at the University of South Australia. Balancing university and parenting was challenging so she transferred to Charles Darwin University where she was able to complete her studies externally. Midway through her degree, her daughter was diagnosed with epilepsy, autism, and an intellectual disability, requiring constant care.
Despite challenges, she continued her studies, graduating with a double degree in 2019. Her caring experiences led her to part time work in NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) plan management. Motivated to do more, she enrolled in a Masters in Disability Practice at La Trobe University in 2021. After losing her father to cancer, she launched Red Gum Disability Support Services, a business helping people with disabilities navigate NDIS processes. Her father's encouragement was an important factor in her decision to start her own business. Today her business is thriving and Cathy's knowledge and hard work benefits many people in the disability community.
