For 20-year-old Ebony Barnett, life in Sherwood, a quiet farming community north of Kyogle, has always been simple. But behind that quiet lifestyle was a creative passion waiting to be discovered.
When Ebony first joined VERTO’s Transition to Work program in April 2025, her journey looked very different. Initially supported by her mother to connect with local services, Ebony was hesitant and unsure about what came next. She was quiet, withdrawn, and not yet ready to explore employment or further opportunities.
With gentle encouragement and a focus on building trust, her Case Manager, Robyn Cameron, worked with Ebony at her own pace. Over time, attending appointments independently helped her feel more comfortable, and gradually, she began to open up.
That’s when her passion for art came to light.
From painting and drawing to writing, card-making and creating stickers, Ebony had been quietly developing her creativity all along. More than anything, she had one goal, to one day showcase her artwork.
Recognising this, Robyn inspired Ebony to keep creating and start building a portfolio of her work.
By November, Ebony had completed eight paintings. It was a turning point.
“She started to really believe in herself,” Robyn said. “All she needed was someone to back her and show her that her work was worth sharing.”
Together, they took the next step, visiting the Kyogle Gallery to seek feedback. What happened next exceeded all expectations.
The gallery curator, Kate, was so impressed with Ebony’s work that she invited her to display her portfolio as part of an upcoming exhibition. Ebony was invited to continue building her collection in the lead-up.
In early April, Ebony’s artwork was proudly hung in the gallery’s downstairs exhibition space, giving her work maximum exposure to the community.
Seeing her work displayed publicly was a proud and emotional moment for Ebony and her family, especially her mum, who thanked Robyn for believing in her daughter and supporting her dream from the very beginning.
“I wouldn’t have achieved this if it wasn’t for the support I received from Robyn,” Ebony said. “It’s something I’ve always wanted to do.”
For Robyn, it’s a reflection of what the Transition to Work program is truly about.
“It’s not just about finding employment,” she said. “Sometimes it’s about helping someone find their confidence, their voice, or something they’re passionate about. Seeing Ebony get to this point has been really special.”
For Ebony, this is just the beginning.
With the support of Robyn and the flexibility of the program, Ebony has been able to focus on what matters most to her: her creativity.
Now, with her artwork on display until the end of June, Ebony is already looking ahead. She’s exploring opportunities to enter art competitions, showcase her work at local markets, and continue building her portfolio, while also working on her writing.
Her journey is a powerful reminder that success looks different for everyone. With the right support, patience, and belief, young people can build confidence, pursue their passions, and create their own path forward.
If you’re aged 15–24 and not sure what comes next, VERTO’s Transition to Work program can support you to build confidence, explore your passions, and take steps towards your own goals.
Learn more about Transition to Work: https://www.verto.org.au/employment-services/transition-to-work
