For Lauren Brewer, growing up in Warragul meant being part of a close-knit community, one she’s proud to call home again today.
“My local community is really important to me. I’ve always grown up here. It’s a place that I see myself in for a long time.”
Lauren was a Gardiner Foundation Tertiary Scholarship recipient in 2019, support she says made it possible to move away from home and study.
“Without the Gardiner Foundation, I don’t know whether I would have been able to do it. Coming from the Gippsland region, it was a very big move, especially during Covid. I don’t think I would have been able to succeed in my studies or be where I am today without that support.”
After completing her paramedic training, Lauren’s career took her far from home, to a remote mine site in the Gibson Desert in Western Australia. There, she worked as the only paramedic on site, supported by a nurse and emergency services officer.
“The most rewarding part was seeing the impact you could make in such a remote community. Out there, you really see the difference.”
That experience strengthened her sense of purpose and adaptability, preparing her for her current role closer to home. Today, Lauren works in domestic violence and child wellbeing for Indigenous Victorians, supporting families and victim survivors across Gippsland.
“It’s a real passion of mine to help the community, and I’m glad that I get to live and work here in Gippsland.”
Lauren continues to study, recently enrolling in a Graduate Certificate in Indigenous Cultural Competency, with plans to complete a Certificate III in Emergency Mine Response and Rescue.
“Every experience has shaped where I am now. I doubt I would have been able to do everything I’ve done without the Gardiner Foundation. I’ll always be grateful.”
Watch Lauren’s story below to hear how the Gardiner Foundation helped her take the leap from Gippsland to university — and back again, equipped to give back to her community.