From Hardship to Hope: How Moving the Mob Helped Teeal Tanna Reclaim His Future

Tjungundji and Nywaigi man Teeal Tanna, 21, is using his painful past to help and inspire others build a better future through IntoJob’s Moving the Mob program.

Growing up, Teeal faced significant challenges, including homelessness at 14, family domestic violence and a violent incident that left him hospitalised two years ago. “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,” Teeal said.

Homeless throughout his teenage years, Teeal moved from one friend’s house to another, 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.”

The turning point came after his hospitalisation and the loss of his closest relationships. “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,” Teeal said.

Moving the Mob, delivered by MRAEL through IntoJobs (both part of the IntoWork Group), is a community-driven initiative co-designed with First Nations facilitators to support unemployed First Nations people in a culturally safe environment. Since 2023, the program has run 15 sessions across Rockhampton, Mackay, Bowen, Berri, Murray Bridge, Mount Gambier, and Frankston, with 128 participants successfully completing the journey.

Teeal found a lifeline in the program, “We learned so much about our culture, and it was a game-changer for me,” he said. He also participated in the Work for the Dole program, volunteering in gardening and working on his employability skills.

Teeal is eager to start his journey in the mining industry, with the next intake in October. He is also interested in social work and supporting other young First Nations people. “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.

One of the most impactful aspects of the Moving the Mob program is the yarning circle, ToBeScoTai, which Teeal himself initiated. “We come together, have a yarn, and maybe go to the beach and kick the ball around,” he said. The yarning circle has become a tight-knit community, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual support.

“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,” Teeal said,

IntoJobs Mobile Employment Consultant Shannon Connelly said Teeal has shown an incredible transformation in the program, “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,” Shannon said.

The program has not only provided Teeal with the tools to change his life but has also instilled a deep sense of responsibility to give back with him volunteering his time at a NAIDOC Week parade, “It’s all about giving back and ensuring our community is strong,” he said.

Through the program, Teeal has also learned more about his parents’ heritage. “My dad is from the South Sea Islands, brought over by white men to cut cane in Halifax. His mob is Nywaigi. My mom’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.

For those considering joining the program, Teeal has this advice: “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.”