Mother-daughter legacy inspires the next generation at CQU
For CQUniversity Council Member Nareeta Davis and her daughter Lillian Toogood, education has always been a family affair.
From the early days of Lillian tagging along to campus with her mum, to now forging her own path in paramedicine - CQU has helped shape two generations of proud First Nations' women.
“When I was young, mum began studying her Skills for Tertiary Education Preparatory Studies (STEPS) course and subsequently a Bachelor of Laws degree, so I would often go with her to the CQU Cairns campus. I always appreciated the inviting atmosphere of the university and the friendliness of the staff,” Lillian said.
“Seeing Mum in her graduation gown and watching her walk across the stage was a very special and emotional moment for me and my family.
“I felt proud of her for all the dedication and sacrifices she made throughout her studies, and to see it all pay off was incredible.”
While Lillian said she was first inspired to pursue a career in healthcare by her late grandfather who was a former ambulance superintendent, it was her mother’s determination that helped shape her own educational journey and her decision to study a Bachelor of Paramedic Science at CQU.
“I’ve always had a strong desire to help people in vulnerable and critical moments and make a meaningful difference in their lives. As an Indigenous Australian, I’m passionate about improving health outcomes in my community and promoting cultural safety and health literacy within emergency services,” she said.
“My mum has always shared stories about her own experiences growing up and the challenges she faced, especially as a young Indigenous woman trying to pursue her goals.
“One lesson that’s always stuck with me is her belief in resilience - that even when things feel overwhelming, you can always find a way through if you stay grounded, ask for help and keep showing up. That mindset has really helped me through the harder parts of studying, especially when juggling health, work and university.”
Ms Davis said she always believed her daughter would follow her dreams - especially in a profession where she could give back to the community.
“To be honest, I always knew that Lillian would undertake a degree in Paramedic Science since she was a teenager.
“I was so happy to see that she chose to do her degree with CQU as I know first-hand how you are treated with care, kindness and as an individual, not just a student number,” Ms Davis said.
“As a working mum who studied, this support was an immense factor in my success, and that has left a footprint on my now adult children.”
Ms Davis said she was passionate about offering that support to the next generation of students as an advocate for inclusion and accessibility.
“The University has a strong passion and commitment to diverse cultural backgrounds,” she said.
“In my role as a Council Member of CQU, I can see that the University is committed to the community on every campus across Australia. I know that I can walk into any location and feel like stepping into a loungeroom, and welcomed home, even though I am an alumnus."
