Professor Bronwyn Fredericks recently represented CQUniversity at the 6th Annual Indigenous Awards Night organised by Darumbal Community Youth Service in partnership with a range of other organisations.

Prof Fredericks attended in her capacity as Pro Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Engagement) and BMA Chair in Indigenous Engagement.

Senior Scholar of the Year Trey Butler

The Awards recognise achievements of Indigenous students from Year 4 to Year 12 in three categories: Academic, Citizenship and Sport.

The MC for the event was Margaret Hornagold, CEO of Darumbal Community Youth Service and also an alumnus of CQUniversity.

Some 200 people attended and the air was abuzz with excitement from the anticipation of young people and from parents and siblings waiting in support. There were also awards for junior scholar of the year and senior scholar of the year.

Invited to offer a short presentation, Prof Fredericks spoke about her own schooling and education and her role at CQUniversity. She was then invited to hand out the Academic Awards to both junior scholars and senior scholars.

"I saw so many talented young Indigenous people from across Central Queensland come up to accept their awards. I look forward to seeing them doing great things in the years ahead," Prof Fredericks said.

"A particular highlight of the night was seeing Trey Butler presented with the Senior Scholar Award and Dr Judy Tatow being honoured with a lifetime achievement award. Dr Judy Tatow was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from CQUniversity at the last Rockhampton graduation.

"Trey Butler was awarded the Senior Scholar of the year and his sister Sarah Butler was also awarded an academic award. Trey and his family also have a connection with CQUniversity.  The University has acquired artwork from Trey and his parents, Kaylene and Joe Butler, in the past few months. Trey is the person who made and carved the didgeridoo that the University purchased.

"It excites me to know that young people like Trey, Sarah and all the others that received awards are coming through and that they will be part of the community in the future."

Bronwyn Fredericks (centre) with Mona Keily and Rodney Stoter at the Awards 
The didgeridoo carved by Trey Butler which is now owned by the University. 
Trey Butler and Sarah Kay Butler with their awards