www.firstnationstelegraph.com
Scholarship student ready to make a difference by Nicole Marino 22 December 2013
D
arling Downs student, Hannah Duncan (pictured) is hoping to make a difference in her community with a Law Degree from Bond University after receiving an Indigenous Pathways Scholarship. The Granddaughter of Indigenous land rights activist Eddie Mabo, Hannah said she has a passion for justice and equity and one day hopes to specialise in Public Law. “I aspire to make a difference in the legal community by becoming a link between the government and the Indigenous community,” she said. “I am inspired by my heritage and the achievements of my Grandfather and my vision is to change the negative Australian stereotype of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture to benefit the greater community.” Currently school captain at Darling Downs Christian School, Hannah said she hopes to be an influential leader, mentor and role model for young Australians. Having grown up in Toowoomba with three older brothers and a younger sister, Hannah is looking forward to experiencing University life at Bond and is excited about the move to the Gold Coast. “Bond University has some amazing facilities and some really good quality programs, which will make the move easier,” she said.
In addition to the Nyombile Centre, which helps students feel welcome by connecting them to the local Indigenous elders and community, 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. Hannah 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 last month 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.
Page 1