Mitchell Hoskins

My name is Mitch Hoskins. I’m a proud Aboriginal man from Dhungutti land, but I reside in the Campbelltown area of Dharawal Land where I grew up.

After studying counselling at TAFE, I am now studying Psychology Science (Honours) fulltime, with a minor in Indigenous Studies at University of Wollongong.

I was an Indigenous NSW Police officer for over a decade to make a difference for my people. However, because of accumulative trauma and a lack of mental health awareness and support for cultural needs within the force, I developed PTSD, and depression.

These lived experiences made me passionate about mental health, suicide, trauma and addiction. I realised how much the mental health sector lacks clinical psychologists, especially male Indigenous psychologists. Recently, I joined Lifeline to fight against suicide and to learn communication skills that I believe will aid me with clinical skills.

My struggles with addiction and suicide ideologies had made me aware of the impact it had on individuals, families and my local indigenous communities. Therefore, I had taken a leap of faith to become a full-time mature age university student, juggling being a father to three children and volunteering at Lifeline. My goal is to make an impact in the Indigenous communities, especially with younger Indigenous men and women; and be a positive influence for my children.

This scholarship will assist me in my journey to become a clinical psychologist. Dr Westerman’s mentorship would also be such a blessing. Her passion, wisdom and support around mental health advocacy is something I strive to be one day.