12/10/2026
🙌🙌
A BUSSELTON student has turned a university internship into an opportunity to give back to the community she grew up in while helping improve inclusion across the South West.
Tegan Espinos, who is studying a Bachelor of Science in Genetics, recently completed a McCusker Centre for Citizenship internship with Advocacy WA in Bunbury.
"I was particularly interested in working in a regional area as I wanted to make a genuine impact in the community I was raised in," she said.
Working with Advocacy WA's Community Projects Team, Tegan contributed to research, communications, workshops, social groups and community events supporting people with disability.
She also researched employment barriers and helped develop accessible resources.
"My favourite part of the internship was supporting inclusive community events and social groups," she said.
"I had the opportunity to connect directly with community members and help create welcoming spaces where people felt valued, included and connected."
Tegan said hearing from people with lived experience of disability gave greater purpose to her work and reinforced the importance of building more inclusive communities.
The placement has also changed the way she looks at everyday spaces.
"I now find myself constantly noticing whether businesses, community spaces and public facilities are physically accessible," she said.
"It has made me much more aware of the importance of inclusive design."
Tegan said the internship strengthened her research, teamwork and communication skills, while also teaching lessons in empathy, active listening and the impact of small actions.
"These are skills that can't be taught in a classroom and will benefit me regardless of where my career takes me," she said.
