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Scholarship student clues into Bond by Nicole Marino 11 January 2014
G
old Coast local, Dylan Mathers dreams to one day make a difference as a detective in the Queensland Police Force and it all starts at Bond University. Dylan is a recipient of the Indigenous Pathways Scholarship at Bond University, where he plans to study a Diploma of Criminology. “I have always had an interest in criminology and my career ambition is to become a detective in the Queensland Police Force, perhaps as part of the Water Police,” Dylan said. “By studying at Bond University and furthering my education, I am hoping to achieve this goal sooner.” The former Marymount College and QATSIF (Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Foundation) scholarship student was attracted to Bond for a number of reasons. “I am particularly impressed by the smaller class sizes, allowing students and lecturers to be more interactive and develop stronger connections,” he said. “I am also keen to learn more about my Indigenous heritage and the support provided by services such as the Nyombile Centre, which helps students feel welcome by connecting them with the local Indigenous elders and community, will allow me to explore my culture further.” In addition to the Nyombile Centre, Bond University has more than 100 student volunteers involved in the Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience
(AIME) program, the Bond Indigenous Awareness Society (BIAS), Kununurra Youth Program and Career Trackers Indigenous Internship Program. The Burleigh local is also hoping to continue his involvement in local sport throughout his time at Bond University. Dylan has represented the Gold Coast in Rugby League and competed in the Australian Surf Titles for the past four seasons. “One ambition I have is to get involved with an Indigenous community by setting up a sporting program for the youth of the community, promoting healthy life and well being,” he said. “With a Bond education behind me, I believe I could be a good role model and encourage others to achieve their own dreams.”
Dylan is one of eight students to be awarded scholarships to Bond University next year through its Indigenous support programs. The scholarships were announced following the successful Indigenous Gala Event late last year, which saw more than $175,000 raised to help fund the programs. Around 350 people attended the event, including special VIP guest and new Bond student Scott Prince and event patron Dr Patrick Corrigan AM. Corporate sponsors included Accor, Indigenous Land Corporation, Sunland Foundation, ISS Facility Services, Former Origin Greats, Newell Consulting Engineers, Pindara Private Hospital, Hickey Lawyers, Technology One and and ANZ Bank.
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