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34
Be: Partnership
Closing
the gap
BMA and CQUniversity are
working together to create
a brighter future for our
Indigenous communities,
writes Chris Veraa.
Newly appointed Pro Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Engagement) and BMA Chair in
Indigenous Engagement Professor Bronwyn Fredericks.
CQUniversity Australia and mining group BHP Billiton
Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) have joined forces to help
‘close the gap’ in Indigenous education and employment,
creating a ‘brighter future’ for Indigenous communities.
The two organisations recently announced a new senior
Indigenous leadership role within the University, as well as 15 new
scholarships for students from all backgrounds, representing a $1.8
million commitment from BMA.
Professor Bronwyn Fredericks was appointed to the joint
position of CQUniversity Pro Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous
Engagement) and BMA Chair in Indigenous Engagement. The
jointly funded position will support outreach activities between
the University and the Central Queensland region’s numerous
Indigenous communities.
Professor Fredericks says she is honoured to be taking up the
challenging but exciting new role. “I am looking forward to working
with Indigenous communities to identify ways they want to build
their capacity in education, employment and general equality of
opportunity, and then helping bring this to fruition.
“In this role, I will work to advance CQUniversity’s Indigenous
engagement agenda and endeavour to improve educational
outcomes for CQUniversity’s Indigenous student cohort past,
present and future. I also intend to build on the excellent platform
already established by the University’s Nulloo Yumbah Centre for
Indigenous Learning, Spirituality and Research.
“As the BMA Chair in Indigenous Engagement I hope to expand
the University’s outreach efforts within the region’s Indigenous
communities, in line with BMA’s Indigenous Relations plan, and help
to put in place pathways to education, training and employment
opportunities that can lead to a brighter future.”
Professor Fredericks is a Murri woman from South-East
Queensland and was most recently a Principal Research Fellow and
Associate Professor within Queensland University of Technology’s
Faculty of Health. She brings to the role almost 30 years of
combined experience in academia, research, and Indigenous health
and community services.
According to CQUniversity Vice-Chancellor and President,
Professor Scott Bowman, the leadership position has been a long
time in the planning and will form a vital part of CQUniversity’s senior
leadership team. “CQUniversity is at the forefront of Indigenous
tertiary education in Australia, with an Indigenous student
population that is already double the level of national targets.
“Professor Fredericks has an exemplary track record
in academic leadership and, with her strong ties to Central
Queensland, is the perfect person to take on this vital role. I am
very much looking forward to embarking on this exciting journey of
improved Indigenous engagement with her at the helm.
CQUniversity graduating Indigenous students Sherry-Kaye
Savage and Madeline Doyle.
“I would also like to wholeheartedly thank BMA for their
foresight and vision in providing such a substantial contribution to
the BMA Chair in Indigenous Engagement. It is heartening to see
the company continue to give back to the region – and specifically,
local Indigenous communities – in this way. Together, I believe we
can make a real difference in improved education and employment
outcomes for all.”
BMA Asset President Stephen Dumble says the company was
proud to strengthen its partnership with CQUniversity to help
deliver improved education pathways for Indigenous people living
and working in the region. BMA is funding up to 15 undergraduate
scholarships per year for five years for CQUniversity students who
live in or intend to use their education to contribute to the Central
Queensland region. Five of the 15 annual scholarships will be offered
specifically to Indigenous students.
PHOTOS: PETER LAWRENCE
ISSUE 13