What’s Happening?
Tjungundji and Nywaigi man Teeal Tanna, 21, is using his life experience to support and inspire others through Moving the Mob, a community-driven initiative delivered by MRAEL through IntoJobs, both part of the IntoWork Group.
Growing up, Teeal experienced homelessness at 14, family domestic violence, and a violent attack two years ago that left him hospitalised. “I was stabbed five times in my back, and they even punctured my lung. The mental impact was severe; I wouldn’t go out for dinner alone,” he said.
Why It Matters
Moving the Mob offers culturally safe support for unemployed First Nations people. For Teeal, it became a turning point. “When I got out of the hospital, my friends stopped talking to me. It was a tough time, but it made me realise I needed to focus on myself and my future,” he said.
The program helped him rebuild confidence, reconnect with culture, and start thinking about his future goals.
Local Impact
Homeless throughout his teenage years, Teeal moved between friends’ homes, often missing school. “I was couch hopping until 2023. My aunty took me in, and it’s the longest I’ve stayed in one place since I was little. It’s tough not seeing my mum, brothers, and sisters regularly. We only get together for funerals or similar events,” he said.
He later volunteered at a NAIDOC Week parade, reflecting the sense of responsibility he now feels. “It’s all about giving back and ensuring our community is strong,” he said.
By the Numbers
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15 sessions of Moving the Mob have been held since 2023.
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The program has reached seven locations: Rockhampton, Mackay, Bowen, Berri, Murray Bridge, Mount Gambier, and Frankston.
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128 participants have completed the program so far.
Zoom In
After his hospitalisation and the loss of close friendships, Teeal joined the Moving the Mob program. “We learned so much about our culture, and it was a game-changer for me,” he said. He also took part in the Work for the Dole program, where he volunteered in gardening and worked on his employability skills.
He created a yarning circle within the program, called ToBeScoTai. “We come together, have a yarn, and maybe go to the beach and kick the ball around,” he said. “It’s good because when we come together, we learn so much about our culture. It’s a space where we can grow and support each other.”
IntoJobs Mobile Employment Consultant Shannon Connelly praised his growth. “His unwavering commitment and 100 per cent attendance speak volumes about his determination. I have no doubt he will achieve remarkable things and be a powerful force for good in his community,” she said.
Zoom Out
The program is co-designed with First Nations facilitators to create a culturally safe space for learning, healing, and employment preparation. Through it, Teeal also explored his heritage. “My dad is from the South Sea Islands, brought over by white men to cut cane in Halifax. His mob is Nywaigi. My mum’s side is from up the Cape, in the north. The Tjungundji mob. Understanding my roots and the history of my people has been really important,” he said.
What To Look For Next?
Teeal is preparing for the next mining intake in October. He’s also interested in social work. “I want to be a support youth worker because I feel like I can help a lot of young fellas through my own experiences,” he said.
To those considering the program, Teeal has this message: “Don’t be shy. Come over and have a yarn. You’ll get fed, and you’ll learn a lot. The first day might be daunting, but it is so worth it. It’s all about personal growth and making yourself happy.”
“Moving the Mob has definitely changed me. Sometimes I might want to get a drink or get into trouble, but this program shows you that you don’t need to do that. You can sit down, have a yarn, and a laugh here instead.”
