Just graduated: Simone Warkill is proud to be the first Australian South Sea Islander Community Foundation Scholarship recipient to graduate in Rockhampton.Central Queensland University congratulates Simone Warkill for being the University's first South Sea Islander Scholarship recipient to successfully graduate.

Ms Warkill, a 41-year-old mother of 3, has just graduated with a double degree in Business and Professional Communication, making her husband Evan and the Rockhampton South Sea Islander community extremely proud.

 "To become the first South Sea Islander to graduate under the Australian South Sea Islander Community Foundation Scholarship in Rockhampton is wonderful,'' Simone said.

"I couldn't have done it without the support of my husband Evan and family - they told me to go and achieve my goal and supported me every step of the way."

"This is a very big achievement and I am very proud of her," Evan said.

"It was a struggle at times for Simone, but she stayed at it and has succeeded."

Evan said Simone was thankful for the financial support of the scholarship, but it was the tutoring support offered through CQU that ultimately made the difference.

"At first I think she struggled with studying, but she was able to access tutoring support at CQU and Nulloo Yumbah provided her with access to computers which helped a lot."

He also recalled CQU's Liz Huf being a great inspiration to her. Liz provided an opportunity for Simone to develop her skills by working on the literary magazine, Idiom 23.

Simone also praised Michelle Hood (state scholarship board) for her support and encouragement.

"She kept me focused and helped me set a target to achieve.''

Her 4 years at CQU was not without challenges though. She had to cope with the loss of her father and the birth of a new baby. At these times, Simone cut back her study hours, but still was able to complete the program on schedule.

Before beginning her degree at CQU, Simone was in the workforce for 21 years, having just left her position at the Department of Natural Resources.

Deciding it was time to make a career decision, Simone enrolled in STEPS, a bridging program at CQU, and later successfully applied for the Australian South Sea Islander Community Foundation Scholarship. This lead to her enrolment in the Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Professional Communication degree.

Simone is now taking a short break before launching into a career in event management. She also says more study is a possibility.

"I would like to go on and do further study and encourage other young South Sea Islanders to do the same,'' Simone said.

Well done Simone!