More than 50 Central Regional TAFE students were inspired to believe in their potential and pursue their goals after hearing from acclaimed Western Australian author and illustrator Katie Stewart at the Northam campus on 25 August 2026.
Students from the Certificate I and II in General Education for Adults (CGEA), Gaining Access to Employment (GATE) and Leadership programs attended the special Book Week presentation, where Katie shared her remarkable journey from aspiring writer to published author. Her story demonstrated how perseverance, lifelong learning and a commitment to personal growth can create opportunities at any stage of life.
Best known for her picture books What Colour is the Sea?,Wombat Can't Sing and Quokka Finds a Friend, Katie spoke candidly about the challenges she faced while pursuing her dream of becoming a published author.
For years, she submitted manuscripts, self-published her work and faced repeated rejection from publishers. Despite being told she was too old to succeed in the industry, Katie remained focused on improving her skills, refining her craft and continuing to pursue her goal.
Katie’s persistence eventually paid off at the age of 60 when Fremantle Press published her first book, What Colour is the Sea?.
CR TAFE Managing Director Jo Payne said Katie's story reflected many of the qualities students demonstrate throughout their own learning journey.
"Many of our students come to Central Regional TAFE looking for a fresh start, a new career direction or the opportunity to build their confidence through training," Ms Payne said.
"Katie's journey shows that success does not always follow a traditional path. Through determination, continuous learning and a willingness to keep moving forward, she transformed ambition into achievement.
"At CR TAFE, we see those same qualities in our students every day as they develop skills, build confidence and create opportunities for their future."
During the session, Katie shared a childhood lesson that shaped both her life and career. Rather than simply copying what others were doing, she was encouraged to closely observe the world around her, think independently and develop her own perspective.
That philosophy became the foundation of her work and inspired the themes within What Colour is the Sea?, a story about a curious koala who discovers that different perspectives can all hold value.
CGEA Literacy Lecturer Fiona McDougall said the message resonated strongly with students.
"Many of our students have overcome challenges to return to study, strengthen their skills or work towards new opportunities," Ms McDougall said.
"Katie's story showed them that setbacks do not define the future. Her journey reinforced the importance of resilience, curiosity and believing in yourself, qualities that help students succeed both during their studies and beyond."
The presentation highlighted the power of education and lifelong learning to create new possibilities. Students gained valuable insights into persistence, creativity and the importance of continuing to grow, regardless of age or circumstance.
As students continue their studies at CR TAFE, the experience serves as a powerful reminder that success is built one step at a time. By developing skills, building confidence and remaining committed to their goals, students can create opportunities for themselves and turn ambition into achievement.
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Western Australian author and illustrator Katie Stewart presenting to CR TAFE CGEA & GATE Students at Book Week presentation
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Western Australian author and illustrator Katie Stewart presenting to CR TAFE CGEA & GATE Students at Book Week presentation
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Western Australian author and illustrator Katie Stewart presenting to CR TAFE CGEA & GATE Students at Book Week presentation
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Names Left to Right: Nola Skeers - Casual Clerical Disability Student Mentor, Rochelle Ingram - Lecturer Multimedia Information Technology, Fiona McDougall - CGEA Lecturer in the ELS Portfolio, Gilbert Karareba - Skills for Study Lecturer in the ELS Portfolio, Katie Stewart – Author and Illustrator, Selwyn Hope - Head of Programs Business Community & Leadership, Brendan Clark - Skills for Study Lecturer in the ELS Portfolio, Digna Verlinden - Library Supervisor