Guided by Country, driven by purpose

For Arrernte man Jack Colyer, caring for Country has always been at the heart of his dream career.

Having been home-schooled since a young age, Jack was already used to learning in his own way. When it came time to take the next step, he was excited to explore the many pathways the University of Newcastle had to offer. Jack found a guaranteed way to turn his dream into reality through Yapug, a pathway program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Jack’s mob are from Arrernte Country around Alice Springs, though he grew up on Worimi and Awabakal Country in the Newcastle and Mid North Coast regions. This connection to Country shapes both his studies and how he spends his free time. He loves walking and noticing the small patterns on Country that connect to the bigger picture. When he’s not outdoors freediving, snorkelling or photographing landscapes, he’s probably making music on the didgeridoo, cornet, trumpet or piano.

At university, Jack has a place where he can always walk in, sit down, and have a yarn. The Wollotuka Institute, the University's support hub for Indigenous people, has been helping students thrive since 1983. Through programs like Yapug, thousands of students have found study pathways, built confidence, and discovered a strong community. Wollotuka’s legacy isn’t measured in numbers, it’s about helping students belong, succeed, and make a difference.

“They can’t get rid of me now–it’s my second home (and family)!” he laughs.

Joining the Yapug program was an important step for Jack. “As I hadn’t been in a ‘school’ environment for such a long time, I decided to do Yapug. This was a way to gain entry into university with the support of an ‘extended family’ right by my side,” he explains.

The fact that Yapug was free also made a real difference for him. “It made a massive difference to my family financially and allowed me to get where I needed to be without my parents needing to look for additional work to cover the costs,” he says. Without the extra financial pressure, he could focus on his studies, build connections at Wollotuka, and make the most of every opportunity.

One standout memory from the Yapug program was Wollotuka’s camp. “I had an unforgettable time and met so many good people,” he recalls. This experience set the tone for the strong community he’s found ever since.

Jack has had support every step of the way, from friendships to academic guidance and opportunities to connect with his culture. He was also aware of other support services including tutoring and financial assistance if needed. From day one, he felt encouraged and part of a community that truly has his back. Through cultural programs, mentorship, and connection with other students, Yapug and Wollotuka has given him a deep sense of belonging.

Moving from home-schooling to large campus lectures could have been daunting. With the support and encouragement of Yapug and Wollotuka staff and peers, Jack built the confidence he needed to succeed. He has proudly completed the Yapug program and is enrolled in the Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management, moving closer to his dream job with the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

Looking ahead, Jack wants to bring cultural knowledge and Western science together, helping both sides learn from each other. What excites him most is “travelling Country, working with like-minded people, and helping care for Mother Earth so she stays strong for generations to come,” Jack shares.

His advice to students joining the Yapug is: “Work hard, turn up to your classes, and seek out help if you need it. Start assignments early, in case ‘life happens’. And if you have a dream, work hard and achieve it!”

Jack’s story is a powerful reflection of how the Wollotuka Institute and Yapug program build confidence, nurture culture, and create a place where students truly belong.

Jack Colyer

Arrernte man Jack, found confidence, culture, and community through the Yapug pathway at the University of Newcastle.

This was a way to gain entry into university with the support of an ‘extended family’ right by my side.