Social work study race to transform lives

First published by CQUniversity

By Mary Bolling

She’s found ways to support people her whole life, but at 61 years of age, Louise Geal is getting the support she needs for a new career nurturing families.

The Bundaberg mum and former high school Careers Coordinator took leave from her job to begin uni for the first time in 2022, after leaving school at grade 10. 

Now in her third year in CQUniversity’s Bachelor of Social Work, Mrs Geal’s determination has earned a scholarship to help her studies. 

The CQUniCares Sister Anne-Marie Kinnane CatholicCare Legacy Scholarship provides recognition and financial assistance to a deserving third-year Bachelor of Social Work student residing and studying in the Bundaberg, Mackay or Rockhampton regions.

Mrs Geal said the two-year scholarship helped allow her to stay in full-time study, as she raced towards her new career. 

“I’m not just studying for a challenge, or because I’m bored – I really want to work in Social Work, and time is running out!” she said.

“I ended up resigning from my job when I realised how happy I was doing the study, and how meaningful it is to the impact I can make.” 

“I’m so grateful for the scholarship – it means I can focus on studying full time, without worrying how I’ll pay for books, or needing to juggle a job around placement and assignments.”  

Prior to study, across more than two decades Mrs Geal had built her career in student support, first volunteering as a learning aid, then supporting high school students to connect with employers, and secure work experience and careers.  

“Sometimes I’d have between 30 and 40 kids out on work experience at a time, kids getting traineeships, finding them all sorts of opportunities and exploring transition from school to work,” Mrs Geal explained. 

“Then that extended to running a ‘path planning’ parent-to-parent course that supported families for goal setting and drawing up a life map.”

When her daughter started studying Social Work, Mrs Geal was inspired to goal-set for her own life map. 

“I’d previously done Certificate IVs and had my Justice of the Peace license, and with my career experience, that was enough to get straight into the degree,” she said.

Now Mrs Geal has completed her first placement, in a paid child safety role with Queensland’s Department of Child Safety, Seniors and Disability Services. 

“At first, I thought that might be too much, but I’ve just finished 12 weeks and it was incredible to be putting what I’ve learned into action – now I want to work there once I graduate!” she said. 

“It’s not easy work, but with my life experience behind me, it’s not as gut-wrenching – and with that experience and my Social Work values, I’m determined to make a difference to the young people and families I work with.”

CatholicCare Central Queensland’s Chief Executive Officer Robert Sims congratulated Mrs Geal on her achievements.  

“The student scholarship we fund through the CQUniCares program is another meaningful way that CatholicCare is continuing the critical social work that Sister Anne-Marie started in our region,” he said.

“Supporting families and young people is such an integral part of the work underpinning our mission, so it is important to us that we help to foster a quality workforce.

“We are so pleased to see Mrs Geal achieving her study goals and already making a difference in the lives of others. 

“CatholicCare is very proud to be supporting Mrs Geal and we look forward to seeing her continue an already inspiring career.”

CatholicCare Central Queensland provides trusted, local community services, and through the scholarship honours the life and achievements of Sister Anne-Marie Kinnane, Sister of Mercy and co-founder of CatholicCare Central Queensland. 

The CQUniCares Scholarship program changes lives and CQU is grateful to partner with CatholicCare Central Queensland who share the University’s passion for making a difference in the lives of our students, their families and our communities.

For more information about CQUniversity’s Bachelor of Social Work, available on campus or online, visit CQUniversity's webpage.