She started harassing me over small things, getting mad for no reason. One day, she told me to leave. I hadn’t even opened a bank account yet.
I didn’t know where to go. It was winter, and coming from Papua New Guinea, the cold here was so different. That first night on the streets was hard. The next day, I tried to apologise to my aunty, but she said if I came back, she’d call the cops. So, I slept outside again. After that, I made my way into the city. I didn’t even know how to catch a bus or train. I tried using public Wi-Fi to find help, but couldn’t. Then, by chance, I was heading through Fortitude Valley and saw the Brisbane Youth Service (BYS) sign. It felt like the right place, so I knocked on the door. They helped me and got me into a motel. That’s where it all started.
I stayed at that motel run by a family for almost a year. Over time, we built a good relationship. Sometimes I helped them clean, and the owner respected me for being there the longest. It almost felt like home, but it had strict rules and a shared kitchen, so it wasn’t completely mine. From there, my key worker and his team offered me a room in a Housing and Tenancy Support (HATS) property. They said the last person living there was really good, so the bar was high. I think because I behaved well at the motel, they trusted me to fit in. I was really happy. At my new home, I finally had my own space.
Just having privacy makes a big difference. You can study in peace or just relax. I could cook my own meals, do my own things, and really feel like this is mine. My housemate is cool too. He likes cleaning, which is good for me, even though we still share chores. It just makes the house feel easy to live in. Even if you don’t have a job or are facing difficulties, having a home makes life feel okay.
BYS also supported me through the Positive Transitions Program. At the same time, I had just enrolled in an Advanced Diploma of Civil Engineering. At first, I wasn’t sure my PNG high school qualifications would be enough, but they accepted me. I really like engineering, and with all the construction for the Olympics, I know there will be jobs when I finish. That keeps me motivated.
The program coordinator spoke with me about my studies, work, and visa situation. She helped me get a proper laptop for my engineering programs, as my old second-hand one was too slow. BYS even helped with tuition, groceries, and clothes when my rent and international student taxes left me with almost nothing. They worked out a budget and helped reduce my rent. I don’t usually ask for help, but they reminded me it’s okay to accept it while I work to make a stable life for myself.
I was working at a fish market when I started looking for something new. I applied for a hotel job myself online. I still remember that interview. After a catch-up with my worker, he asked what I was up to, and I said, “I’ve got a virtual job interview.” I took off my casual jacket to reveal a crisp button up shirt. He set me up on a computer, and I just did my best. I was nervous because English isn’t my first language, but I got the job and started training the next week.
Adjusting to life in Australia has been huge. Back in PNG, I never thought about rent, bills, or managing a home. I’m also learning about Australian culture and lifestyle. It’s very different from how I grew up. The mindset, the way people live, it takes time to get used to. But building routines, improving my English, and feeling more confident in myself have helped with that. I feel more normal now and am moving toward my goals.
Right now, I’m balancing study and work, and am planning to change my visa so I have more opportunities. It’s not easy, but with BYS, I feel supported every step of the way. I want to finish my studies, get an engineering job and stand on my own two feet. Life can feel lonely without family, but BYS has made such a difference. It’s important to find those resources, especially when you don’t have anyone else to rely on.
*Name and image has been changed to protect the young person’s identity.
