BREAKING BARRIERS: AARLYNS PATH TO SUCCESS
By Marli Ryan
When Aarlyn Lockyer walked across the graduation stage to receive her degree in psychology and counselling, she wasn’t just celebrating a personal milestone; she was making a statement for her family, her community, and young people in remote Australia.
“I felt all my hard work paying off when I walked the stage,” she said.
“My family fought for me and supported me. So crossing that stage, it felt like I did it for all of us.”
A proud young woman from Iremagadu (Roebourne) in the Pilbara, Ms Lockyer’s path to university was shaped by a desire to bridge the gap in mental health support for Indigenous people in remote communities.
She said growing up in Roebourne, there wasn’t a lot of mental health support, especially culturally safe support.
“Sometimes they feel that services like psychology don't really understand. That's what started the process for me. I always wanted to bridge that gap and to help indigenous people and make them feel heard and respected and supported in ways that made sense for us.”
A Big Move, A Bigger Dream
Ms Lockyer shared that it was definitely a big adjustment moving from the Pilbara to the city.
She said, Homesickness was the hardest part. Being away from family and country was tough. However, having support from friends and family really helped and knowing they were always just a phone call away.
Over time, the city became a second home, and her studies evolved into a powerful mission: to make mental health care more inclusive, culturally respectful, and accessible for Indigenous people.
“I always wanted to do something with clinical psychology. Obviously, I would really want to focus on working with indigenous people.”
“I want to make sure that therapy and counselling are culturally safe and more inclusive for us so that people can feel like their whole identity is respected and not just one part of themselves,”
A Role Model for the Next Generation
For Ms Lockyer, her achievement is personal, yet deeply collective. It’s about breaking barriers, opening doors, and showing what’s possible for those who come after her.
She especially wants to inspire her younger siblings and other young people in remote towns who might be doubting their potential.
“I'm telling them they can do it, and I know it might feel impossible sometimes because I've definitely felt that way before, too, but it's not. You just have to take it one step at a time and don't be afraid to ask for help”
She shared that having a support network of people makes all the difference. Those who will support you no matter what and, at times, be the strength you need to push through.
“My parents made a lot of sacrifices for me to get where I am today”, she said, “they really fought for me and believed in me even when I didn't believe in myself.”
Looking Ahead and Back Home
While Ms Lockyer is still gaining experience and building her skills, she hopes to return to the Pilbara one day.
“That's always been my end game, really. I still have a lot more training and learning to do before I can give back in the way that I want to, but when the time comes, I'd love to return home and show everyone what I've learnt and help out the community”
She shared the notion that her personal achievement isn’t just a win for herself, but a source of inspiration for her family and community, showing that success is possible, regardless of where you come from.
“Education is for all of us” she said.