Every day counts, your identity counts, dream big and be proud! These were some of the inspirational messages related by participants in the Academic and Talent Aspirations Program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, hosted by CQUniversity recently...

Some of the participants in the Student Challenge relate their hopes and aspirations The Regional Student Challenge involved students from around Central Queensland who have indicated a desire to attend TAFE or university.

Students had the chance to practice their persuasive speaking and problem solving. Themes included opportunites and challenges of higher education, earning or learning, and the Spirit of the Tent Embassy 40 Years On.

Professor Bronwyn Fredericks addresses participants on behalf of CQUniversity

The Challenge is an initiative of the Department of Education, Training and Employment, sponsored by CQUniversity and supported by Central Queensland Indigenous Development.

CQUniversity's Pro Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Engagement) Professor Bronwyn Fredericks called on participants to ignore restrictions put on them about their identity by other people, to push boundaries, to confront negative ideas about education and to be proud.

"If you do these things, all of you can take that educational journey and succeed" she said.

Professor Fredericks, who is also the BMA Chair in Indigenous Engagement, is an enthusiastic supporter of the ATAP initiative.

Professor Fredericks pictured with other session leaders and Challenge participants 
Members of the Darumbal people welcoming and encouraging participants 
One of the lead presenters addresses Challenge participants