Laurie proud of the steps he took to change his life

By Greg Chapman

The ‘steps’ Laurie Armstrong took to change his life have brought him back full circle to CQUniversity to help others take the same path.

A descendant of the Wankamarra people from around Thargomindah, Laurie has spoken of his journey with CQU’s Skills for Tertiary Education Preparatory Studies (STEPS) program and how it continues to this day.

“In 1986, I decided to stop drinking and make some changes in my life. By 1990, I realised that my patterns with employment was such that I would get bored with jobs after a few years and then move on to another one,” Laurie said.

“It was unlikely that I could secure better employment without dealing with my level of education. I dropped out of school during Year 10 and at that time all my dreams about going to university ended. 

“When I enrolled in STEPS, I figured that it would provide me with the equivalent of a Year 12 education. At least then I could apply for a job in a warehouse or somewhere out of the sun every day. I really wasn’t even thinking of going to university. But I could get ABSTUDY (similar to AUSTUDY) while doing STEPS.”

How ‘turning up’ makes all the difference 

Laurie completed STEPS on campus in Rockhampton in 1990. He was 30 at the time with three children under seven. His partner at the time also went to do STEPS and graduated in 1991.

He said during his STEPS studies he was determined to be successful. 

“The main thing is that I turned up every day to class just like I turned up to my job when I was working. Turning up has been the key to everything I have achieved in my life. That can also mean getting assignments completed on time and attending meetings when required,” he said.

“STEPS helped me in many ways. I realised I could learn and that I was good enough. It provided a gateway for me to go to university and the opportunity to manage my time and become organised.

“It also allowed me to make mistakes and fail things in a safe environment.  Further, I realised during STEPS that I could help other students who were struggling and how important it was to be part of a study group and also to use the university support systems.”

Building confidence

After completing STEPS, Laurie was confident enough to progress into a Bachelor of Business which he completed part-time over five years.

“The STEPS course absolutely prepared me for the degree. By the end of my degree, I even achieved a couple of distinctions and a high distinction. Most of all, I had to become very organised and disciplined. I had to keep my ‘eye on the prize’, to provide a better lifestyle for my children and to become an example for First Nations Australians,” he said.

“Without STEPS, I would have never made it. I studied with many highly intelligent mature age students who didn’t make it because they didn’t have the basics that STEPS provide. During STEPS, I learned how to use a computer and even how to touch type.”

New paths and coming full circle

His studies secured him employment in various roles and locations, including in Canberra and the Northern Territory with COMCARE.

He eventually found himself back in Rockhampton at CQU as an academic with the Indigenous Student Support Centre.

“I spent more than 15 years in that role supporting and advocating for First Nations students. During that time my colleagues and I introduced a Tertiary Entry Program (TEP) specifically for Australian Indigenous students. The TEP course ran for 20 years at CQU and was extremely successful. It was discontinued during the COVID-19 lockdown and three of the units have been rolled into the STEPS,” he said.

 “Then around eight years ago, I was approached by the Director of the School of Access Education and the head of the First Nations Units in STEPS to work part time coordinating a couple of the Indigenous units.

“I decided to accept the offer because of the passion that I have for STEPS and for First Nations knowledge and history.  The diversity across Aboriginal Australia is too big to effectively teach everything in our Indigenous units, but my goal is to provide enough information and truth to encourage students to open their minds and become lifelong learners in this area of knowledge.” 

Being passionate about the journey

He encouraged anyone who needed help to enter university study to start with STEPS. 

“During STEPS students have the opportunity to make mistakes, practice time management and organisational skills and academic writing and science, all in a safe and supportive environment. It isn’t any wonder that they go on to become very good students, role models and effective professionals,” he said.

“I am older now and I can clearly see that STEPS was a pivotal point in my life. My children are all doing well, including my three stepchildren. My partner completed a Social Work Degree at CQU and holds a senior position in the community. 

“STEPS is now stronger and just as effective as ever. It is still changing lives just like it did for me. My colleagues in the School of Access Education are all passionate about adult education and they are all extremely high achievers themselves. There are amazing accomplishments coming to light every week and STEPS students are mostly the beneficiaries of everything that we do. STEPS is a very smart choice for anyone who aspires to use education as a springboard to a more fulfilling life.” 

2026 marks 40 years of CQUniversity’s STEPS pathway, which has helped thousands of students build the skills, confidence and foundations needed to pursue higher education. For four decades, STEPS has opened doors and helped make university study possible for people from many different backgrounds. 

Learn more about CQU's STEPS program.