Moonbahlene Local Aboriginal Land Council’s Helen Duroux was one very proud grandmother attending the graduation ceremony of her granddaughter Justyce Pengilly with her psychological science degree from Bond University. Justyce is the daughter of Karla McGrady, who grew up in Tenterfield.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Helen said she admires not only the way Justyce is setting such a great example for others from the Aboriginal community, but also the other Aboriginal students in her cohort who are taking advantage of higher education opportunities as well, particularly at Bond University.
Justyce said she grew up seeing a lot of people struggling with mental health issues.
“I found myself wanting to understand it and to be able to do something about it. I thought the best way to do that would be to make a career out of it.”
She is now well on her way to that and is currently in her Honours year.
Justyce plans to continue her studies and complete a Masters of Psychology with the end goal of becoming a clinical psychologist. The university’s Alumni and Development director Brett Walker described her as “an outstanding young Aboriginal woman with drive, compassion, and many dreams that she will no doubt fulfill and exceed.”
It’s great to be part of this whole generation of Aboriginal Australians who are getting tertiary qualifications and planning big careers.
- Justyce Pengilly
She had the opportunity to study at Bond through an Indigenous scholarship provided by the institution’s corporate partners and funds raised through its annual Indigenous Gala.
“One of the biggest problems is that there aren’t many Aboriginal psychologists, trained therapists who really understand our culture and the way we live...our relationships, our deep connection with family,” Justyce said.
“As with anyone who reaches out for help from a psychologist or counsellor, you’re looking for someone who understands what you’re saying and where you’re coming from.
“It can be really hard for Aboriginal people to find that right fit.”
She said one of the highlights of her Bond experience was working as an intern with Marumali Consultation, one of the very few Aboriginal owned and run psychology services, based on the Gold Coast.
After being one of only two Indigenous girls in year 12 at her Brisbane high school, she is enjoying being part of a large group of Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander students at Bond.
“It’s great to be part of this whole generation of Aboriginal Australians who are getting tertiary qualifications and planning big careers.
“It’s something that didn’t happen two generations ago.”
