WHEN Deb Mailman was at school in Mount Isa, she wanted to be a teacher.

But everything changed when her teacher told Deb she could choose acting as a career. 

So, at 17 years old, Deb auditioned for a performing arts course at university – and without knowing what was in store, moved to the “big city” of Brisbane. 

Now, she is one of the most recognised and loved Indigenous actors in Australia, starring with a lead role in the successful TV show Total Control.

With the third and final season of Total Control now screening on ABC, Deb talked to…