Nicole keen to turn page on life as a kidnap negotiator
Published on 18 April, 2011
CQUniversity students come from all walks of life but very few would have experienced the role of kidnap negotiator.
Nicole Bonney was thrust into this role when her brother Nigel Brennan was kidnapped in Somalia for 15 months between August 2008 and November 2009.
Nicole Bonney ... looking forward to a quieter life in coming years
LINK for a transcript of the ABC TV Australian Story feature on Nigel's ordeal
The full story of the kidnap ordeal, co-written by Nicole, Nigel and their sister-in-law Kellie, is due for release as a book entitled Price of Life, set for publication by Penguin Books in late June.
"Nigel describes how he was kidnapped, what it was like and how he coped for that long period of time in god-awful conditions in Somalia," Nicole says.
"I acted as Next of Kin negotiator, whereby I negotiated with the kidnappers for Nigel's release. Initially I filled this role in conjunction with the federal police and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. However, after the government's inability to secure a release we sought out a risk management company who specialized in kidnap and ransom, where my role of Negotiator continued.
"Kellie writes a more objective view as to how Nigel's family coped with the ordeal. She also played a pivotal role in organizing payment of the ransom. Collectively we call ourselves 'the dirty hostage, the negotiator and the money launderer' (black humour got us through all the rough patches). It will be a great read and we intend to have a book signing in Bundaberg upon release of the book."
Nicole has links to CQUniversity going back several decades. She initially studied Aquatic Resource Management in Rockhampton during the days of the Capricornia Institute of Advanced Education, before moving on to study Urban Horticulture at the Ryde School of Horticulture in Sydney.
"Following that I worked in the nursery industry, then traveled overseas with my partner who eventually became my husband. Upon returning to Australia we gradually established a landscaping business and nursery in Brisbane. Six years ago we relocated the wholesale nursery to a cane farm at Moore Park near Bundaberg," Nicole said.
The Bonney family now includes three teenage children and Nicole is halfway through the STEPS* preparatory program based at Bundaberg Campus.
"I enrolled in STEPS with a specific undergrad course in mind. I would like to study something along the lines of 'social inequity' and there are a couple of bachelor of International Studies courses around the state that look promising. I would like to do some work with an NGO. In saying that, some of the science courses such as Environmental Science and Geology look pretty exciting as well. So many possibilities.."
"STEPS has been a great confidence booster to get back into the undergraduate study frame of mind. As it's been so long since I've done any schooling, the referencing is especially important."
Nicole says that, even though the hostage ordeal is over and the book writing phase is now complete, her life is still very busy as the 'taxi driver' and 'sometimes coach' for three children with many sports and extra-curricular activities.
The next STEPS intake testing and information event in Bundaberg is May 10, with details via Wendy Davis on 4150 7135.
Prospective undergraduate or postgraduate students will be welcomed to special Mid-Year Events at most CQUni campuses from 3pm-7pm on May 24. Details will be available soon via http://www.cqu.edu.au/midyear or right now at 13 27 86 .