From incarceration to inspiration: North Queensland mum Tahlia Isaac’s remarkable journey

A North Queensland mum who transformed her life from being incarcerated to becoming a criminologist is launching her own support organisation to help give women the tools they need to break free from the shackles of their past.

North Queensland mum Tahlia Isaac has transformed her life from being incarcerated to becoming a criminologist and social justice advocate. Picture: Shae Beplate.

A North Queensland mum who transformed her life from being incarcerated to becoming a criminologist is launching her own support organisation to help give women the tools they need to break free from the shackles of their past.

For Tahlia Isaac, the journey was anything but easy. Ten years ensnared by the clutches of drug addiction, followed by a harrowing ten months behind bars, cast a shadow over her future, but in the end, she emerged determined to make a difference.

Fuelled by her own experiences, after release she pursued studies in criminology, criminal justice, and business, determined to be a voice for the voiceless.

Now Tahlia is getting ready to launch her own support organisation, SELF, a lifeline for women seeking to rebuild their lives after incarceration.

Through tailored 12-week programs and ongoing support, SELF aims to empower these women, providing them with the tools they need to reclaim their dignity and independence.

“My hope is to be able to give them that support they may not have from their immediate family,” she said.

“Give them somewhere to come and feel accepted in the community, help them build tools like resumes, job readiness, and education, and create financial stability.

North Queensland mum Tahlia Isaac has transformed her life from being incarcerated to becoming a criminologist and social justice advocate. Picture: Shae Beplate.

“A lot of community organisations are really maxed out at the moment, so there’s definitely room for more support.”

Tahlia said she knew the systemic challenges faced by many women re-entering society after incarceration from her own lived experience.

“My story is like many others; I fell in with people who were fighting to find themselves through using drugs, 10 years later and after several drug-related offences, I was incarcerated,” she said.

“During this time I really took stock of what was important to me and what I really wanted from my life.

“I undertook intensive therapy and programs, and when I was released, I had the support of my family and continued access to therapy.

“Even though I had this support, the ability to advocate for myself, an education, and a lot of privilege, re-entry was still a challenge.

“The system is fraught with barriers for women who are attempting to better their lives after being incarcerated, which often leads them to commit further offences.”

A SELF fundraising event will be held at the Umbrella Studio Contemporary Arts in Townsville on November 16 from 5pm-9pm.

There will be drinks, canapes, an Aboriginal art exhibition, and a silent auction, with all funds going to support the SELF project.

Originally published as From incarceration to inspiration: North Queensland mum Tahlia Isaac’s remarkable journey