Browse the Human Library

The Human Library is a growing collection of MidCoast people sharing their career journeys, challenges, and the values that guide them.

Each story is unique — and each one shows that there’s no single path to success. Whether you’re a student figuring out your next step or someone guiding others on theirs, we hope these stories spark curiosity, courage and connection.

Browse stories by:

Works in Health, Works in Education, Employed, Studied at University Meredith Paige Works in Health, Works in Education, Employed, Studied at University Meredith Paige

Jody Quiring

Jodie Quiring is a full-time nursing lecturer at Charles Sturt University, teaching the next generation of nurses. She entered nursing through early entry at the University of New England, starting work at 18 and spending her career in critical care. But her shift into education wasn't planned.

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Works in Health, Currently Studying, Employed, Studied at University Meredith Paige Works in Health, Currently Studying, Employed, Studied at University Meredith Paige

Jarrad Duffy

Jarrad Duffy is a third-year Bachelor of Exercise Sports Science student on track to become an exercise physiologist, balancing study with part-time work at UpBound, a small business services company based in Taree.

After a decade out of high school, including a career in motorsport media and motorcycle events, a growing interest in gym and training pointed him in a new direction.

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Works in Health, Works in Education, Employed, Studied at University, Studied via TAFE & Apprenticeships Meredith Paige Works in Health, Works in Education, Employed, Studied at University, Studied via TAFE & Apprenticeships Meredith Paige

Anthony Paulson

After leaving school in Year 9, Anthony worked as a butcher, served in the NSW Police, and eventually transitioned into health management before taking on his current role delivering cultural education training for GP registrars across Australia.

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Works in Community Services, Works in Health, Works in Not-For-Profits, Employed, Volunteer, Studied at University Meredith Paige Works in Community Services, Works in Health, Works in Not-For-Profits, Employed, Volunteer, Studied at University Meredith Paige

Alana Trudgeon

Alana Trudgeon is a crisis support volunteer with Lifeline and also worked as administration and wellbeing at Taree Universities Campus, all while studying a Bachelor of Counselling. Her work in suicide prevention has grown from a deep passion for mental health and helping people feel heard during their darkest moments.

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Works in Community Services, Works in Health, Works in Not-For-Profits, Employed, Studied at University Meredith Paige Works in Community Services, Works in Health, Works in Not-For-Profits, Employed, Studied at University Meredith Paige

Clare Brennan

Clare Brennan is the Centre Director at First Steps Count, a child and community hub in Taree supporting children aged 0 to 12 and their families. With a background in speech pathology, Clare has built a career on communication, compassion, and community impact.

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Works in Academia & Research, Works in Education, Works in Health, Academic / Researcher, Studied at University Meredith Paige Works in Academia & Research, Works in Education, Works in Health, Academic / Researcher, Studied at University Meredith Paige

Jessica Loughland

Jessica Loughland is a postdoctoral researcher investigating the human immune response to malaria—an infectious disease that disproportionately impacts the world’s most vulnerable. Driven by integrity and curiosity, Jessica has built a career around critical thinking, rigorous research, and big-picture questions.

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Connect with our Humans & Dive into their story

Many of our storytellers are also open to continuing the conversation — by email, over the phone, or even in person. If you'd like to connect with someone you've seen here, we’ll help you reach out

Contact the Team