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Scholarship student to make an international difference
by Nicole Marino 9 January 2014
C
helsea Currie (pictured) is hoping to ‘close the gap’ within Australia with a Business and International Relations degree from Bond University. As a recipient of the Indigenous Pathways Scholarship at Bond, Chelsea said she has aspirations to enter politics following a successful career in international business. “I’ve always had an interest in politics and as a proud, young Indigenous woman and a descendant of the Mununjali Tribe, I strive to make a difference to the Indigenous people of Australia,” she said. “Through my success I will encourage other Indigenous people to be proud of their heritage and push to eradicate the common misconception of the Indigenous stereotype. “Through my father, I hold an understanding of some of the barriers that have hindered his career development and these barriers are still prevalent today. “Knowing the adversities he had to bear is one of the forces that motivate me to succeed and ultimately to make a difference.” The former Canterbury College student and Logan local said Bond was her first choice for University and she was extremely grateful for the opportunity that has been afforded to her. “Everything about Bond University is attractive - the campus and smaller class sizes, as well as the numerous student services on offer, make it a welcome environment which I am looking forward to becoming a part of,” she said.
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, as well as the Nyombile Centre, which helps students feel welcome by connecting them to the local Indigenous elders and community. One of two children, Chelsea grew up alongside her extended family and said it’s her parents and elders who inspired her to follow her chosen career path. “I have elders in significant positions in the areas of Indigenous health and housing, which has allowed me to observe the job satisfaction that helping your people can bring,” she said. “I believe Bond University
will afford me the opportunity to become a great ambassador of the Indigenous community.” Chelsea 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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