Dange navigates a new beginning in Western Sydney

Dange Zuhuke is slowly getting the hang of Google Maps.

Having moved to Australia last year with her two young boys as a refugee, she says navigating Sydney’s western suburbs has been one of the hardest parts of settling in.

“Often I end up in the wrong place,” she said. “To go to an appointment for the first time, it really scares me. So I go early, find the location and ask around.”

Dange grew up in Papua New Guinea’s Western Highlands, where childhood meant long days outdoors, swimming in rivers, collecting firewood and exploring the bush.

More recently, life at home became difficult and dangerous, so Dange made the tough decision to leave an abusive relationship and build a safer life in Australia.

“I had to take my two sons and leave,” Dange said. “It’s been difficult. But as time goes on, I’m trying to settle in and find a job. I want to stand on my own two feet, look after my sons and give my best to this new life.”

Back in Papua New Guinea, Dange was a high school teacher before joining the police force – she worked as a trainer in the Police Training College in Bomana for seven years. However, differences in qualifications mean she will need to retrain here, but Dange is committed to working with children, either through early childhood education, childcare or as a teacher’s aide.

Since connecting with HTN (part of the IntoWork Group) and her Apprenticeship and Employment Coordinator, Cherylee, Dange has been steadily building the skills she needs to navigate Australia’s job market. She completed her Pre-Traineeship Program in Early Childhood Education and Care with HTN and has been supported by Cherylee to undertake pre-employment skills. These included workshops for Interview & Presentation Skills and Local Labour Job Searching Skills to learn how to use the digital tools for applying online and being a standout to recruiters with a professional resume and cover letter.

“It helped me big time,” Dange said. “I learned so many things in a short amount of time. I feel so much better prepared to apply for jobs and to start something new.”

With Cherylee’s support, Dange has focused on interview preparation and presentation, helping her feel more confident putting herself forward for work. Cherylee says Dange’s commitment and resilience will help give her every opportunity to succeed in interviews and at work.

“She has shown incredible courage in starting over in a new country,” Cherylee said. “Dange has embraced every opportunity to learn and grow, and she’s focused on building a future where she can support her children and do meaningful work.”

Dange is currently applying for roles and preparing for upcoming opportunities, including an interview for a school support role. She remains optimistic that her experience with children will be recognised and that it won’t be long before she’s working in a classroom again.

“I knew it would be challenging so I told myself to be strong and whatever comes my way, I’ll give it a try.  I’ll draw strength from what I was doing as a teacher back in Papua New Guinea. I am willing to do whatever it takes to work with kids. If there’s ever any opportunity to teach or to help children, I will always go for that.”