Qualification: Certificate III in Individual Support
School: Casuarina Senior College
RTO: Charles Darwin University (CDU)
Employer: Territory True
Known as “Big Mac”, Mac McMaster is a Year 12 student at Casuarina Senior College completing a Certificate III in Individual Support through CDU. Working at Territory True, Mac mentors autistic young people, helping them build confidence, independence and meaningful connections within their community.
Drawing on personal experience and insights gained through his family, Mac brings patience, empathy and a calm approach to his role, creating supportive environments where young people feel safe, valued and understood.
When Mac discovered that his qualification was not available to Northern Territory school students, he worked with his school, CDU and Group Training NT to create a pathway. Becoming the program's first student, Mac successfully balances school, vocational training and work commitments while creating opportunities for other young Territorians to pursue careers in disability support.
Through his initiative and commitment to helping others, Mac is demonstrating how one student's determination can create pathways that benefit an entire community.