Central Queensland University

Krysta Greer

Krysta Greer

New Recipient

Krysta Greer of Gladstone is studying a Bachelor of Secondary Education at CQU. After recently completing a certificate III and IV in Engineering Drafting, Krysta hopes to combine her new skills with her teaching degree. Krysta is following her passion to become a math and Information Technology (Graphics) teacher.

Christie Wishart

Christie Wishart

Continuing Recipient

Christie of Bundaberg is completing a Bachelor of Medical Science. After experiencing first-hand the disadvantages in health that many Indigenous people face, Christie was inspired to make a difference in her community. Christie would like to specialise in Indigenous healthcare as a dietician and provide her services to remote communities.

Chloe Roff

Chloe Roff

Continuing Recipient

Chloe Roff of Bargara is undertaking a Bachelor of Nursing at CQU. Chloe is in her second year and thoroughly enjoying the course and her practical placements. Upon the completion of her degree, Chloe would like to continue working in pediatrics or mental health. Chloe hopes to encourage others that if they have a dream and the motivation, then they can achieve it.

Taylor Gilbert

Taylor Gilbert

Continuing Recipient

Mudjimba student Taylor is studying a Bachelor of Nursing. Taylor’s motivation to complete her studies comes from her two children, who she hopes to show that putting in the hard work and completing a degree can provide great opportunities. Once she completes her degree, Taylor would like to work in Indigenous community health, particularly in women and maternal care.

Cheyanne Conroy-O'Halloran

Cheyanne Conroy-O'Halloran

New Recipient

Cheyanne is in her final year of studying a Bachelor of Child and Family Studies/ Bachelor of Education – Primary at Griffith University. Cheyanne, who lives in Coomera, aspires to be a Teacher in South East Queensland, helping children with their social and emotional development.

Griffith Univesity

Venessa Williams Starzynski

Venessa Williams Starzynski

New Recipient

Venessa, who lives in Birkdale, Brisbane, is undertaking a Bachelor of Arts (Honours program). Last year, Venessa completed a Bachelor of Contemporary Australian Indigenous Art in 2016 and received the Griffith Award for Academic Excellence for each of the last 3 years of her study. Venessa has also been a Gumurrii Mentor, providing support and guidance to other students. Venessa is working towards her career goals to be a lecturer, a project facilitator and mentor.

Tayla Emmerson

Tayla Emmerson

Continuing Recipient

Tayla is undertaking a Bachelor of Oral Health in Dental Technology. Tayla hopes to improve the health of Indigenous Australians by reducing waiting lists for patients and providing communities with access to oral health education and resources.

Shenay Corey

Shenay Corey

Continuing Recipient

Shenay is studying a Bachelor in Nursing at Griffith University. Shenay had an interest in medicine from a very early age, which encouraged her to work in aged care and pursue tertiary studies. After graduation, Shenay aspires to work in an emergency department before moving into nursing with the Army. Shenay is part of the Gumbaynggirr tribe and now lives in Yarrabilba.

Amarina Smith

Amarina Smith

Continuing Recipient

Amarina from Rockhampton is completing a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Government and International Relations at Griffith University. Amarina is a member of the Griffith University Honours College and is enthusiastically involved in community activities, evacuation and flood relief assistance, children’s activities and volunteer mission trips to China in 2011 and Cambodia in 2012. Amarina aims to be an active member of the international legal community.

James Cook University

Geoffrey Lui

Geoffrey Lui

New Recipient

Proud Kulkalaig man from the Central Torres Strait, Geoffrey is completing a Bachelor of Business at JCU. Geoffrey is following his passion to help break the cycle of many social, economic and health issues that currently affect communities in the Torres Strait. In his spare time, Geoffrey enjoys volunteering at his local church, youth and sporting groups.

Cherryl Luck

Cherryl Luck

Continuing Recipient

Dharug-Wiradjuri woman Cherryl, from Townsville, is completing a Bachelor of Arts (Indigenous and Archaeology). Cherryl seeks to build understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous culture through historical and archaeological evidence to give acceptance to traditions and their value in a globalised world.

Maddison Sivyer

Maddison Sivyer

Continuing Recipient

Maddison of Woree is studying a Bachelor of Psychological Science. Maddison would like to work in the mental health sector, focusing on removing mental health stigmas and reducing youth suicides.

Paula Bobongie

Paula Bobongie

Continuing Recipient

Paula, from Mackay, is undertaking a Bachelor of Education (Primary). After completing a community based teacher education program and a Diploma of Education, Paula continued onto tertiary studies. Paula works as a teacher aide and a community education counsellor, and wants to be a positive role model to her four children and her students.

Queensland University of Technology

Corey Curran

Corey Curran

Continuing Recipient

Mansfield student, Corey Curran is studying a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Justice (Policy and Governance). Corey’s career aspiration is to become a Barrister and continue to run ‘Project Imba’ aimed at promoting a pathway towards further tertiary education for Indigenous high school students.

Heidi Noon

Heidi Noon

Continuing Recipient

Western Wakka Wakka woman, Heidi Noon is completing a Bachelor of Humans Services and would like to work for the Department of Human Services to help close the gap in Indigenous health.

Jed Fraser

Jed Fraser

Continuing Recipient

Mandandanji man, Jed is completing a Bachelor of Exercise Movement Science. Jed has received the Queensland government’s Indigenous Future Leaders Award and twice received the Neville Bonner Award. Jed is a student ambassador, and wants to show other young Indigenous people that with focus and commitment, you can achieve anything you set your mind to.

Joeanne Allen

Joeanne Allen

Continuing Recipient

Joeanne of Strathpine is completing a Bachelor of Creative Industries, majoring in creative and professional writing. Joeanne’s career aspiration is to write novels and to change people’s lives through her writing.

Joshua Loyd

Joshua Loyd

Continuing Recipient

Originally from Western Australia, Joshua is undertaking a Bachelor of Engineering, majoring in Civil and Environmental. Joshua hopes to raise awareness of the importance of further education and assist with closing the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

Shekira Cardona

Shekira Cardona

Continuing Recipient

Skekira from Mount Gravatt is completing a Bachelor of Business (Marketing) / Bachelor of Laws (Honours). Shekira's career aspiration is to become a human rights lawyer.

University of Southern Queensland

Lionel Cubby

Lionel Cubby

New Recipient

Kamilaroi man Lionel, from Dalby, is following his passion to help people by completing a Bachelor of Human Services. Lionel has recently received several community awards for his commitment to senior education and community involvement. In his spare time, Lionel enjoys creating art, and playing music and sports.

Elizabeth Mahon

Elizabeth Mahon

New Recipient

Elizabeth from Charleville, is completing a Bachelor of Nursing at USQ. Elizabeth hopes to become a Nurse or Doctor, changing and improving health amongst Indigenous people in rural and remote communities across Australia.

Caitlin Easton

Caitlin Easton

Bundjalung woman Caitlin Easton is undertaking a Master of Science (by Research) program, with a focus on developing a suicide prevention framework for Indigenous youth. After completing a Bachelor of General Studies - Indigenous Studies at USQ, Caitlin continues to pursue her passion for the health and wellbeing of Indigenous people with this research program.

Ryan Stephenson

Ryan Stephenson

Continuing Recipient

Ryan Stephenson of Gatton is studying a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) at USQ. After significant influence from Wagga Wagga High School, Ryan hopes to actively participate in high school mentoring programs to inspire others to pursue a career in engineering. Upon completing his studies, Ryan looks forward to a career in the power generation and transmission industry.

Brooke Hagan

Brooke Hagan

Continuing Recipient

Brooke of Stafford is studying a Bachelor of Education. Upon completing her studies, Brooke would like to teach Indigenous children in rural areas.

Tracie Morrison

Tracie Morrison

Continuing Recipient

Tracie is completing a Bachelor of Education (Primary). While studying, Tracie also works as a tutor to other Indigenous students at multiple universities across Brisbane. Tracie has received several awards for her achievements in equity and diversity. Tracie hopes to be considered an invaluable contributor to the educative outcomes of Indigenous people.

Brittni Brady

Brittni Brady

Continuing Recipient

Brittni of Maryborough is studying a Bachelor of Education (Secondary), majoring in English. Brittni’s career aspiration is to prepare young people with the skills and attitudes required to commence cultural transformation in their community.