Creating university pathways for Indigenous Australians

“For a good future, students need pride and confidence in themselves and in culture

... and a strong education.”

Lois Peeler AM Principal of Worawa Aboriginal College and original member of The Sapphires

Throughout my career, I’ve spent considerable amounts of time in both remote and urban Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and I can tell you that education has to be the first step towards ‘closing the gap’ between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

Without exception, the communities I’ve visited are blessed with inspirational leaders and elders who understand this simple truth and are working hand in hand with dedicated primary and secondary educators to steer their children along this path.

But, as we all know, the link between completing high school and long-term career success is tertiary education.

If you believe that all Australians deserve equal opportunity and that education is the key to solving the health, economic and social issues faced by our most disadvantaged families, we invite you to partner with Bond University in making a life-changing and life-long difference.

Regards,

Catherine O’Sullivan Pro Vice-Chancellor, Pathways and Partnerships Bond University

We can make a difference

Reconciliation = Education

Value of new scholarships 2016

=$723,720

Total value of scholarships (2012-2016)

=$4.18m $28,000 in text book and living expenses bursaries awarded since 2014 63 students assisted

The Pathways and Partnerships portfolio was established in 2012 to put a stronger focus on improving education and career opportunities for Indigenous Australians.Since that time, we have invested more than $4.18 million in scholarships, bursaries, support services and outreach programs, thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and through a significant contribution by the University.

Together, this is what we have achieved:

Number of students 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

3341

4554 59 79%

growth

2012 2013 2014 2015

57

12

19 43Indigenous graduates (since 2012)

2012 2013

86

15 57New Scholarships Awarded

2014 2015 2016

14 14

Indigenous scholarships awarded (since 2012)

54%

of students on scholarships

95%

retention rate for Indigenous students (compared to national average rate of 71%)

Mikayla HudsonBachelor of Psychological Science

2015 - A Year of Highlights

With its personalised teaching approach and small class sizes, Bond University is uniquely positioned to offer cultural support, mentoring and financial assistance to our next generation of Indigenous leaders.

Scholarships – Bond University awarded 14 new Indigenous scholarships with a total value of $723,720 for students commencing university studies in 2016.

Bursaries – Since 2014, the University’s Indigenous Support Fund has distributed over $28,000 to assist students with the costs of text books and living expenses.

One-on-One Support – In May 2015, the Nyombil Centre relocated to larger premises where our Indigenous Cultural Support Officer Narelle Urquhart and Centre Manager Jason Murray provide one-on-one mentoring and cultural engagement.

Student Outreach – Once again, Bond University students coordinated visits to remote communities in Kununurra (WA) and Abergowrie (Qld).

Culture on Campus – The Bond Indigenous Awareness Society continued to profile Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture on campus via a range of activities including their Jingerri Welcome BBQs, NAIDOC Week celebrations and guest speaker events.

Women Yarning Up – In July, the Pathways and Partnerships team escorted a delegation of Principals from the Alliance of Girls’ Schools Australasia and businesswomen to meet educators, community leaders and families on Murray Island and Thursday Island in the Torres Strait. This year they will return to Lockhart River in far north Queensland.

Schools Mentoring – More than 60 Bond University students participated in the Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience, encouraging 140 Indigenous high school students to continue on to tertiary studies.

Cultural Awareness – The University continued to promote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and culture through the Corrigan Walk Art Tours and Bond’s partnership with the Arts Centre Gold Coast’s Indigenous program.

Fundraising – Starring Australia’s Queen of Soul, Christine Anu, the 2015 Bond University Indigenous Gala broke all records, attracting 550 attendees and raising $364,000 to support our Indigenous scholarship program.

Faith Considine (18)ISS Facility Services ScholarBachelor of Business / Bachelor of International Relations

Jordan Kilcoyne (18)Diploma of Legal Studies

Blake Ritson (18)Bachelor of Social Science

Makayla Palm (17)Bachelor of Psychological Science

Justyce Pengilly (17)Bachelor of Psychological Science

Meet some of our 2016 Scholars

How Can You Help to Make a Difference?

Bond University receives no government funding for its Indigenous scholarship program. Our success has been achieved through partnering with businesses, organisations and individuals who share our vision of true reconciliation.We invite you to join with us in creating even more opportunities for Indigenous students by:

Sponsoring an Indigenous ScholarshipWe offer a number of different partnership levels, based on a two-year commitment:

• $50,500 per year to sponsor a full scholarship for a degree* program• $25,500 per year to sponsor a full scholarship for a diploma program• $12,500 per year contribution towards our Indigenous scholarships and bursaries• $6,500 per year contribution towards our general Indigenous education initiatives

Corporate Partner – Bond University Indigenous GalaIn 2015, the Bond University Indigenous Gala attracted a record crowd of 550 influential corporate, community, political and media attendees, helping us to raise $364,000. Opportunities to support the annual Gala include:

• Sponsorships• In-kind donations of relevant products and services• Donations of auction and raffle prizes• Ticket sales

* Scholarship options for the Bond University Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery are available upon request. Bachelor of Laws scholarship is $67,000 per year for a two year commitment.

Hannah DuncanBachelor of Laws

No Greater Reward

Supporting Bond University’s Indigenous education initiatives offers our sponsors a wide range of corporate promotion opportunities. More importantly, we hope you will be inspired to join us because …• Your money is invested directly in providing education and career opportunities for

our most promising Indigenous young people.• You will be contributing to a program that works – our Indigenous student

enrolments have increased by 79% since 2012 with a retention rate of 95% and our graduates are now establishing their careers in a diverse range of industries.

• You know that ‘closing the gap’ is as much about changing minds as it is about changing hearts. Receiving a Bond scholarship says to a student that ‘you can do anything’.

• The support you give to today’s Bond University students will not only equip them to be proud Indigenous leaders; it will inspire family, friends and community members to follow in their footsteps.

“My parents raised me to be proud of my Indigenous heritage and that’s been strengthened so much more for me since coming to Bond.”

Bethany Allen2015 Indigenous Scholarship recipient Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Laws

Leann WilsonExecutive Director – Business Development & Innovation, Regional Economic SolutionsBond University Indigenous Fellow

Leann Wilson provides leadership, advice and mentoring to the Bond University community and its partners, along with valuable contributions towards understanding of and connection with Indigenous culture.

Leann has Aboriginal and South Sea Islander heritage, tracing her lineage to the Bidjara and Kara Kara tribal groups. Her strong connections to her traditional lands include holding responsibility for women’s sacred sites, which incorporates a 4,000 year old rock art site and Native Title business.

In her professional life, Leann has forged a high profile career in Indigenous business with a key focus on education, employment, business development and community advocacy.

Regional Economic Solutions, the business she founded with her cousin, Mal Meninga AM and recent partner Stephen Hagan, is dedicated to bridging the economic and social gap between Indigenous Australians, businesses and the government. Its aim is to foster an environment of collaboration between government, businesses and Indigenous Australians to support social, public policy and economic outcomes that are sustainable, ethical and responsible.

Leann’s immense contribution to Bond University’s Indigenous strategy includes developing the concept and co-hosting the annual Yarning Up cultural immersion trip to some of Queensland’s most remote Indigenous communities by small groups of school Principals, high profile entrepreneurs, Indigenous facilitators and Bond University representatives.

Yarning Up gives educators and business people a unique ‘immersion in community’ experience where the participants gain first-hand knowledge of the lifestyle, family structures, social issues and cultural traditions for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders living in remote parts of Queensland.

“As facilitator and Indigenous host of Yarning Up, my role is to ensure that the intent of ‘reconciliation’ is incorporated into every aspect of the design, itinerary planning, community engagement and participant selection for the five-day program.”Leann Wilson

Bond University Indigenous Gala

Featuring special guest and country music legend

TROY CASSAR-DALEYFriday, 11 November, 2016

Join us for an inspiring celebration of Indigenous culture and achievement.

The Bond University Indigenous Gala is a core element of our scholarship fundraising with all proceeds going towards Indigenous scholarships, bursaries and student support.

Troy Cassar-Daley is a hugely successful musician, with a multi-award winning career spanning more than 25 years.

A proud member of the Bundjalung nation with a true connection to his land and his people, Troy believes deeply in community and giving back. Most significantly, reflecting his generosity of spirit as a man, artist, husband, father and son, his music reminds us of what is real and what matters.

“Bond University’s multi-faceted approach to Indigenous education has succeeded in creating a pathway from tiny schools in Australia’s most remote communities to a world-class university experience. Supporting their initiatives in this vital area has allowed myself and my family to help transform the lives of young Indigenous students and to rewrite the future for their children and grandchildren.”

Dr Patrick Corrigan AMIndigenous Gala Patron

Photo credited to Gary Grealy, NSW based photographer.

“In our own humanity we have ... a capacity to make a difference to the lives of others.”

Dr Chris Sarra Founder and Chairman, Stronger Smarter Institute

2015 Indigenous Program partners included:

Scholarship Partners

Corporate Partners

Supporting Partners

MB

1270

Bond University pays our respects to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past and present and their descendants. We acknowledge their collective and unique contributions to our community, our culture and our country.

The artwork displayed on the cover of this booklet was created by acclaimed local artist and Nyombil Centre Indigenous Support Officer, Narelle Urquhart.

For more information contact:Pathways and Partnerships OfficePhone: 07 5595 1430bond.edu.au