It has been a long, learning journey for Aboriginal elder and stolen generation victim Terence (Terry) Willmot, who last week completed his bachelor degree at Central Queensland University.

His life story is one of self-discovery, cultural wars, and his fight to help his people make it in "this white man's world".

Stolen from his parents' arms at the tender age of three months in 1947, in Biggenden, Queensland, Terry was deemed half-cast and "left for dead" at the hospital in the Aboriginal mission known as the Cherbourg Reserve.

With a drip in his tiny, half-cast arms, he longed for his mother's breast for survival, until an Aboriginal woman named Daisy Tiers suckled him as her own.

Despite government authorities' and nurses' attempts to take Terry away from the woman, Daisy wouldn't allow it and raised him as her own child in the mission.

He was confined to the mission until the age of 19, attending school until grade 4, learning limited reading and writing.

"We were taught under the Robert Crawford Syllabus," Terry explained "The men were taught to be labourers and the women were taught to be domestics.

"We were fed rations and basically had no human rights.".

Terry was raised at the mission with traditional Aboriginal values and customs and at the age of 19 wed his bride who had been chosen for him.

It was only at this time, when searching for his birth certificate, Terry was told of his real parents and the circumstances that brought him to the mission.

After leaving the mission, Terry worked at the Meatworks in Murgon and buried himself in sport, playing football and later became a professional-class boxer, after moving to Melbourne. However his life was in turmoil, not knowing how to fit into the world around him.

After his marriage fell apart and after a run-in with the tax office, Terry was at his lowest, turning to drink and overcome by depression.

Then a chance encounter with a teacher made him understand the differences in the two cultures he was trying to meld. He began to comprehend why so many of his people were falling into the same traps.

Terry later married a "beautiful white Queenslander" named Susan and has lived in Rockhampton for the past 25 years. Realising he needed to do something to make a life for his wife - one to which she had been accustomed - Terry at the age of 40 went back to school, studying for his Junior Pass through TAFE.

"It was at this time I knew life had more to offer me," Terry explained.

He went on to study and to graduate with a certificate in early childhood.

"It changed my life forever.".

He now planned to share his new-found knowledge with other Aboriginal students.

Terry began working as an Indigenous education worker, encouraging Aboriginal students with their studies and providing help where they needed it.

He has worked in the public education system for 25 years, and currently works at Glenmore State Primary School and Emmaus College in Rockhampton.

Terry said he is often confronted with Indigenous students' learning difficulties. He makes it his business to help parents understand the stage their children are at and helps stop the children slipping through the system.

After being inspired to continue with his education by another teacher, Terry decided to enrol in university.

He enrolled in a program at Central Queensland University through Nulloo Yumbah, the University's Centre for Indigenous Learning, Spirituality and Research.

This week, Terry (now 57-years-old) completed his Bachelor of Arts (Social Work & Welfare) degree, which is a testament to his determination and aspirations for Indigenous education.

Terry expressed his deepest thanks to the people who have inspired him over the years and the staff and teachers at CQU who have made his dreams a reality.

He believes his job now is to give back to his University (CQU), his community and his people in return for the knowledge that has been given to him.

"If I can't give back to the people who have taught me and inspired me, my whole existence would be worth nothing.".

Terry will graduate in Rockhampton next year.

--ENDS--.

For interview or further information contact Terry Willmot on 4926 7380 or 0437 083 618.

Photo: Getting in early, Terry Willmot tries on his graduation gown and thanks Natasha Lamb from CQU's Nulloo Yumbah for providing him with the opportunity to go to university.