The Essentials 13
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What does your role at USQ involve?
My role is to coordinate and facilitate programs funded
through the Higher Education Participation and Pathways
Program via the Indigenous Connections Project (ICP). The
work I do helps create awareness of higher education
offerings, strengthens USQ’s reputation across Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander communities and builds
educational aspirations among Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander students.
What is the best part about your role at USQ?
My role enables me to facilitate positive social change for
my people by helping Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
communities recognise they have equal opportunity to
pursue higher education, which is key to overcoming
disadvantages within our communities.
Who is your biggest inspiration?
I have to say both my Mother (85) and Father (89), who
have been married for 68 years. Their ages have blown the
life expectancy gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal
peoples out of the water. Their love and wisdom has never
failed the 68 descendants of the Waters mob.
If you could have dinner with 3 people, who would
they be and why?
1. Mum and Dad, first and foremost.
2. Paulo Ferier – His belief that ‘freedom is acquired by
conquest, not by gift. It must be pursed constantly
and responsibly,’ resonates to the lives and spirits of
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and his
knowledge on the topic of the ‘oppressor and the
oppressed’ also sparks my interest.
3. Marcia Langton – Her passion, courage and
determination to continually pursue the greater interest
of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
is inspiring. She’s not one to back down from the hard
topics in the pursuit of social change.
To learn more about the equity programs, events, and
projects USQ is involved in, visit the Social Justice website.
Visit the
Social
Justice
website.