Indigenous Student Engagement

If you are a current or future Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander student, our Indigenous Student Engagement Team are here to help. Current students can find further information about Indigenous support services via MYCQU Student Portal.

Our motto is ‘Moving Forward With You’.  The Marine Turtle artwork on our uniforms and resources was created by Darumbal artist Malcolm Mann – it is an interpretation of the university student journey.  From hatching to maturity, there will be decisions and challenges, yet both turtle and student move forward.

The Indigenous Student Engagement Team provide advice about a number of support services available to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students including:

  • Free tutoring support
  • Financial guidance
  • Cultural advocacy
  • Safe learning support
  • Basic course information, and more.

If you are studying SUN, STEPS, or an undergraduate or postgraduate degree and identify as a First Nations student, you can use this program.

Tutoring

To apply for tutorial assistance, complete the tutorial assistance application e-form. For further questions, please call 07 4930 9250 or email: ias@cqu.edu.au

Casual Learning Advisor (tutor) Expressions of Interest

If you are interested in being engaged as a Casual Learning Advisor (CLA) to provide tutoring assistance to Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander students studying Higher Education, please complete the expression of interest CLA e-form. You are also required to complete a Candidate Profile on our Careers page. A copy of your curriculum vitae and certified qualifications and proof of identity (eg. Driver’s Licence) can be emailed to ias@cqu.edu.au.  

A red Indigenous Support marine turtle against a blue background
Our team motto is ‘Moving Forward With You’. The artwork on our uniforms and resources was created by Darumbal artist Malcolm Mann. The Marine Turtle is an interpretation of the university student journey - from hatching to maturity there will be decisions and challenges, yet both turtle and student move forward.

 

Walking in the footprints of our Ancestors

Transcript

We are decendents of an ancient people.
Of an ancient land.
We have been here for 1000s of years.
We have learnt to live on and with the land and sea.
Wah – people always look after each other.
Nipplers learners and teachers through our story.
Nippler learning will never stop.

My name is Ciolla Riley, I’m 24 years old, I’m a Djabugay and Kuki Yalandji woman from Kuranda. A small little village up in the rain forest of tropical North Queensland. I left school in 2015 and never really thought about going to university. I don’t know, it kinda seemed hard. I didn’t really believe I could change anything. I felt that time is precious and I couldn’t really see the point. I try not to worry what other people say or think.  If I really want to do it I can do it and I know in my heart I have a lot more to give.

Ah you Djabugay bub, I’m Djabugay too.  My name’s Kootchie, call me Aunty Kootchie. Academic people will say that I am a mature aged student, but I’m a nanna student for you. I’m studying so you can do it and don’t forget our people have been here for a looong time, 1000s of years and we are learners. For too long we’ve been told that we’re no good, we can’t’ do it, but we’re good. I’ll tell you this, it’s not gonna be easy. I struggled at times. I got tired and I felt the pressure. Just keep talkin bub to other students, to staff. They’re all here with you.

I remember being just like you when I first started university.  My name is Nareeta Davis and I’m a Thargomindah woman from Kullilee NSW. I’m now a practicing solicitor, mentor and learning advisor at CQU.  I studied six years by distance, whilst raising two kids working and volunteering in the community. It was really hard work and I had to make many sacrifices to get through it all. CWU helped me emotionally and spiritually to push through and reach the end. Friendship belief and commitment. Remember you’re paving the way, leaving your footprint and the CQU team are right behind you.

I was on that journey. I was a lost young man. I didn’t know where I was or who I am. My name is Ray Rosendale. I’m a Western Kuku Yalandji man and a graduate of the Social Work Honours Degree at  CQU. Aboriginal men, we’re supposed to be warriors. So at first I went and joined the military, because I thought ‘That’s were warriors go’. But at some point I realised, I want to be a warrior for my people. That means I needed to be learning and CQU gave me that opportunity.

I’m the first person from my family to go to university and this is just the start of my journey.  My name is Majella. I’m a 43 year old single mum and proud Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander woman studying a bachelor of Paramedical Science at CQU. I put a lot of expectations on myself to succeed, to be a good mum and to keep the fire burning for our mob. You have a choice, you can follow the crowd, or you can walk the path less travelled. I can do this, we’re living proof that dreams become reality

Contact us

You can talk with Indigenous Student Engagement Officers located at Bundaberg, Cairns, Mackay, Rockhampton and Townsville campuses or online.   

Indigenous Student Engagement team 

Phone: 07 4930 9250 

Email:  indigenous@cqu.edu.au

Office of Indigenous Engagement

Explore some of the ways our University is working to help give equality of opportunity and embrace the knowledges, leadership and strengths of First Nations People.

Indigenous alumni

We’re proud to have supported many First Nations students and now alumni of our University. Discover their inspiring stories.