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

Matthew Connop

Matthew Connop

Matthew is an Aboriginal man from the Northern Territory, whose family originates from the Dagoman people in Katherine.  He is in his final year of his Bachelor of Justice / Laws (Honours) (Policy and Governance Major).

Matthew wants to contribute towards the complex issues and negotiations between Indigenous groups and other parties.  He wants to assist all parties effectively with his understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the system and knowledge of law.

On his down time, Matthew enjoys fishing and hunting when he’s back home in Darwin or Katherine.

Lauren Henderson

Lauren Henderson

Bidjara woman Lauren, from Brisbane, is completing a Bachelor of Medical Imaging. Lauren is passionate about radiography and the vital role it plays in patient diagnosis and outcomes.  She aspires to help combat access and equity issues in primary healthcare services in rural and remote Australia by endorsing the advancement of mobile radiography trucks.

Jade Robertson

Jade Robertson

Gubbi Gubbi woman Jade is completing a Bachelor of Nursing. Jade has attended various health conferences across Australia, discussing innovative health ideas, while in her first year of study.  Jade is a student ambassador, and wants to make a difference in Indigenous health and is considering further higher education study in masters, PhD or, potentially, medicine.

Rylee Stonehouse

Rylee Stonehouse

Rylee is a proud Aboriginal woman and, at 17 years old, is in her second semester of university at QUT, enrolled in a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil Engineering Major, Structural Engineering Second Major). Rylee was raised in a small town in far north Queensland and graduated from Innisfail State College in 2017 as a Student Leader and Indigenous Leader of Tomorrow.

Riley Tomkins

Riley Tomkins

Riley is a Kamilaroi man from Brisbane.  He is completing a Bachelor of Business (Human Resource Management Major, Management Minor).  His career aspiration is to work in the corporate sector supporting growth of Indigenous employment.

Merryn Trescott

Merryn Trescott

Merryn, originally from the Hunter Valley but now calls Brisbane home, is studying a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Drama Major, Screen Studies Minor).  Merryn is in her final year of study and, since completing an exchange to Michigan State University to intensely study film, sh hopes to use her skills to create a boom in Indigenous film in Australia.  Merryn also hopes to continue learning production skills to become a producer in the Australian art scene.

Wendy Walker

Wendy Walker

Wendy is a mature-age student with a husband and five children.  Her Aboriginal heritage stems from Tasmania, and her father shared some information about their heritage before he passed away. Through research, Wendy’s family found their tribal name (Worterneemmerunnertatteyane); Wendy hopes to discover more about her family background.

Wendy’s career goals and aspirations are to finish her Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science degree and follow on with Honours and a PhD in the field of hematology. She also has a strong interest in molecular pathology and genetics and would like to be able to incorporate all of this into researching Indigenous health.

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.