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 Not-For-Profits, Employed, Studied at Private College, Works in Community Services, Works in Business / Corporate Meredith Paige Works in Not-For-Profits, Employed, Studied at Private College, Works in Community Services, Works in Business / Corporate Meredith Paige

Kate Dunn

Kate Dunn, the Community Connector on the Mid Coast, shares her journey from a local school student in Old Bar to helping families and professionals settle into the region. After leaving school to travel and work on Hamilton Island, Kate studied media marketing and office administration in Newcastle before briefly commencing a communication degree at Griffith University. Though her degree remained unfinished due to life changes abroad, her foundational qualifications and innate communication skills paved the way for her current role assisting public and private organizations with employee relocation and retention.

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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 volunteer crisis supporter with Lifeline while studying towards 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 Community Services, Works in Education, Works in Not-For-Profits, Employed, Volunteer, Studied at University Meredith Paige Works in Community Services, Works in Education, Works in Not-For-Profits, Employed, Volunteer, Studied at University Meredith Paige

Donna Ballard

Donna Ballard is the CEO of Taree Universities Campus, where she blends community connection with education leadership. She also volunteers at the Festival Coordinator for the annual Wingham Music Festival. Donna’s success has been built on her ability to reach out, ask for help, and build strong networks.

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Works in Academia & Research, Works in Education, Works in Not-For-Profits, Academic / Researcher, Consultant / Contractor, Studied at University Meredith Paige Works in Academia & Research, Works in Education, Works in Not-For-Profits, Academic / Researcher, Consultant / Contractor, Studied at University Meredith Paige

Janine Roberts

Janine Roberts is a community historian and educator who channels her lifelong passion for local and family history into her work with MidCoast Stories. With a background in teaching and university education, Janine brings determination, adaptability, and an insatiable drive for knowledge to everything she does.

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Works in Communications / Media, Works in Government, Works in Not-For-Profits, Retired & Active in Community, Studied at University Meredith Paige Works in Communications / Media, Works in Government, Works in Not-For-Profits, Retired & Active in Community, Studied at University Meredith Paige

Narelle Campbell

Narelle Campbell’s remarkable career has spanned from high-pressure media roles to leadership in one of the world’s most isolated environments—Antarctica. As a former Station Leader for the Australian Antarctic Division, Narelle’s key to success has always been her ability to listen, observe, and ask the right 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