When Jacinta, a proud Wirangu woman, moved into her Housing Choices Australia (HCA) apartment in Adelaide earlier this year, it marked the beginning of a new chapter — one filled with stability, purpose and hope. Today, Jacinta is not only a proud HCA resident but also a Customer Service Officer and the First Nations Apprentice/Trainee of the Year at the Maxima Group Awards. Her story is one of courage, perseverance, and the power of opportunity.
A New Beginning
Before joining HCA, Jacinta spent more than five years in the hospitality industry, juggling long, late hours with little work–life balance. “I loved working hard,” she says, “but I wanted a career that gave me structure and stability, something I could build a future on.”
That desire led her to Maxima, where she discovered the traineeship program that would change her life. Although she was initially anxious that she might be “too old” for a traineeship but encouragement from Maxima’s consultants helped her take the leap. In March 2024, Jacinta began her Certificate III in Business Administration, gaining hands-on experience at HCA while studying part-time.
“It was tough balancing work and study,” she recalls, “but I had incredible support from my colleagues and mentors at Housing Choices and Maxima. They listened, encouraged, and never brushed me off. It really felt like being part of one big family.”
A Journey Through Hardship
Jacinta’s success is even more inspiring given what she overcame along the way. Midway through her traineeship, she experienced a relationship breakdown that left her homeless.
“I remember standing outside during a break at work, feeling completely lost,” she says. “That day I opened up to a co-worker, and it changed everything.” With the support of her colleagues, Jacinta was referred to Catherine House – a specialist homelessness service for women in South Australia and part of the Housing Choices Australia Group – where she stayed for several months before she was offered a long term social housing home by HCA.
“I never imagined I’d be living in a Housing Choices home,” she reflects. “It was emotional to go from fearing I’d be sleeping on the streets to having a safe place to call home. I’m so grateful every single day.”
Living and Working with Purpose
Now, more than eight months into her full-time role at HCA, Jacinta says the experience has deepened her appreciation of community housing.
As a valued member of the South Australian team, Jacinta supports residents through administration and customer service, helping connect people to the right information and assistance when they need it most. “Being a resident, I see how much the support means to people, and working here lets me be part of making that happen.” she explains. “It’s made me more connected to the work and motivated me to help in any way I can, knowing firsthand how important it is.”
At work, Jacinta describes a culture built on trust, safety, and belonging — values she connects deeply with. “There’s no bad energy here,” she says with a smile. “Everyone supports each other. I feel confident, safe, and proud to be part of a team that genuinely cares.”
An Award and a New Chapter
Winning the First Nations Apprentice/Trainee of the Year award was both humbling and empowering. “It’s an honour not just for me, but for my community,” Jacinta says. “I hope it shows other First Nations people that there are amazing opportunities out there and it’s never too late to start something new.”
Presented at the annual Maxima Group Awards, the honour recognises outstanding achievement by an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander apprentice or trainee who has demonstrated commitment, growth and resilience throughout their studies and career journey.
Her colleagues’ reactions say it all. “Everyone was so excited! They loved the dress I wore to the ceremony!” she laughs. “The whole team celebrated with me, which made it even more special.”
Continuing to Grow
Jacinta is now focused on building her skills and career within HCA. “I want to keep learning and growing,” she says. “I’d love to continue building my skills and experience within the organisation and hopefully keep climbing the career ladder.”
As an indigenous artist herself, Jacinta is also passionate about giving back, dreaming of collaborating with Catherine House to create a contemporary Indigenous artwork that tells her story of resilience and hope.
From homelessness to home, from uncertainty to confidence, and from trainee to award-winning professional, Jacinta’s life has come full circle. “I’m proud that I never gave up,” she says. “It’s been hard, but every step has been worth it. Housing Choices has changed my life and now I get to help change others’ lives too.”
