We’re excited to welcome Isaac Nicholls, a proud Ngemba Wailwan man, and our second First Nations Intern, with our first Gaye, now a Therapeutic Specialist with the OurSPACE NSW team. Over the next eight months, Isaac will work full-time with Therapeutic Services and the Knowledge Mobilisation and Practice teams learning and sharing his lived experience. 

When we created this internship, we knew it needed to look different. We wanted to open a culturally safe pathway for First Nations people who were interested in this work but didn’t always feel they had the “right” qualifications. Our commitment was simple, we share the theory and practice, and they share culture, story, and community wisdom so we can do better for all kids. 

I recently sat down with Isaac for a yarn about what brought him here and what matters most to him. 

At just 24, Isaac brings empathy, humility, and a strong desire to support Aboriginal children and young people to feel seen and valued. 

Why this work? 

Isaac’s motivation comes from giving back to community. 

“If I can change the life of one child or young person, that’s enough — because the ripple effect reaches many more.” 

As Isaac shared “growing up, I saw a lot of people who could have gone down the wrong path. but we had strong role models. My nan raised my dad and four his sisters on her own. My dad’s a prison officer, my aunts work in social work and the others in social and health services. They had every reason not to make it, but they did. That really shaped how I see people, that no matter the odds, there’s always potential to be the best version of yourself. And, I think going into this work, I thought maybe I can be that better version, the better others get to see.”  

What did you take from your time in residential care? 

Isaac spent four months working in residential care, describing it as “tough but grounding.” 

He told a story about two brothers who often fought, then repaired just as quickly. One day, one of them climbed onto the kitchen sink and ran cold water over his feet to calm himself. 

“I didn’t understand it at the time, but now I can see he was self-regulating. I just sat with him. Why interrupt something that was helping him settle?” 

For Isaac, his greatest strength is simple “Kids know if you’re genuine. You can’t fake it with them.” 

How do you build connection with young people? 

“By being real,” he said. “Young people who’ve had a rough time can tell if you’re present or not.” 

He also spoke about the quiet power of cultural connection. 

“I don’t necessarily look Aboriginal, whatever that is, but when I tell kids who my mob is, something shifts. There’s a shared experience there — even without words.” 

What are you studying? 

Isaac is completing a Certificate III in Community Services and considering a Diploma in Counselling. 

He laughed about his early job cleaning pubs at 5am — “It taught me discipline!” — and talked about stepping into the internship simply by putting his hand up. 

“That feeling of ‘you’re not qualified’ is real, but that’s exactly why internships exist. You come to learn.” 

What are you most looking forward to? 

“Learning,” he said simply. 

He spoke about how meaningful it feels to be in a workplace where Aboriginal voices are welcomed and respected. 

“I get to join cultural catch-ups, learn from Elders, and be supported by both Indigenous and non-Indigenous leaders.” 

He’s also joined leadership at several external events — experiences he calls “some of the highlights of my career so far.” 

What keeps you going? 

“The belief that one strong connection can change a young person’s life. If I can be that person for even one kid, then I’ve done my job.” 

Isaac brings warmth, cultural grounding, and a genuine commitment to community. We’re honoured to walk alongside him as he grows into this role — and grateful for the wisdom he already brings to OurSPACE NSW.