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For Barb Brennan, graduating with a Graduate Certificate in Indigenous Trauma and Recovery Practice wasn’t just a personal milestone it was the realisation of a vision born from lived experience, resilience, and a fierce determination to create change.
“I had a dream to create a cultural safety net for Aboriginal women who have experienced incarceration — a place where they could land safely upon release,” Barb shares. “When I was released, I didn’t have that. I had to create my own safety net, and I did that by coming up to Woolyungah.”
Whether she arrived wearing jail greens or a suit, Barb says she felt an overwhelming sense of welcome and belonging every time she walked into Woolyungah Indigenous Centre (WIC).
“The feeling and support I get when I walk into this place... I don’t want to leave. From the minute I walk through the door, I feel supported, celebrated.”
Barb received credit for prior learning and was offered a place in the Graduate Certificate in Indigenous Trauma and Recovery Practice (ITRP) something she hadn’t expected but immediately resonated with.
“Hearing about the unit, it felt exactly like what I was looking for. I was immersed in a group of people who all had the same vision, all striving to create cultural safety nets in their own communities. The leadership, the community, the grassroots vibe it was powerful.”
With encouragement from her peers and mentors, Barb used her studies to develop the concept that had been growing in her heart and mind. She named it Bars Behind Me a grassroots initiative designed to support Aboriginal women post-incarceration.
“I was able to identify the different levels of trauma these women go through. I came up with solutions that are strength-based, ways our community can catch these women, help them heal, and encourage them to keep putting one foot in front of the other.”
Bars Behind Me is already making waves. Women are connecting with it. It’s gaining visibility. It’s having impact.
“I don’t always know what I’m doing, but I know I must be doing something right,” Barb laughs. “It’s hitting the right mark.”
Despite all her success, Barb says the biggest challenge of her degree was showing up to her graduation.
“I had a real imposter syndrome. I didn’t graduate from high school this was the first time I was graduating from anything… But it turned out to be the most beautiful ceremony. It was a celebration of strong people, strong journeys. The way WIC organised their own photographer, made us stand out as the new leaders in our community.”
Barb’s story is already inspiring others including her own sister, who has enrolled in the same course after seeing Barb’s growth and achievements.
To anyone considering study, Barb’s message is clear:
“By default, alone, you are already one of the most supported people to step foot on this campus. You’ll be immersed in support, love, and guidance. There is nothing in this building that can’t be solved.”
“I walked in here not even knowing how to turn on a laptop. I’m a mature age student. But in this centre, everyone is important. Everyone belongs.”
She adds a special shoutout to the tutors in the Indigenous Tailored Academic Program:
“They love what they do. And when that happens, it creates magic.”
Through her courage, compassion, and unwavering commitment to community, Barb Brennan is leading a movement grounded in healing, truth, and hope. With Bars Behind Me, she’s turning pain into purpose and making sure no woman is left behind.