Former schoolteacher Madeline Stewart is combining her experience in education, and expertise in engagement, to better support First Nations curriculum at CQUniversity.
As a proud Juru-Birrigubba woman of the Burdekin area, and Aotearoa (New Zealand), Ms Stewart says her heritage enriches her perspective and commitment to First Nations-led learning, teaching, and research.
“It’s about listening, learning and working together to create meaningful change,” she says.
“I believe that being at the cross section between community and education allows me to facilitate initiatives that are not only academically enriching but also culturally significant.”
Ensuring First Nations voices are heard
Over the past five years as a Project Officer at CQUniversity in Townsville, Ms Stewart has been committed to supporting the Jawun Research Centre, by spearheading research initiatives with diverse stakeholders to ensure First Nations voices are at the forefront of research initiatives.
“I was drawn to CQU because of my connection to Far North Queensland in which the universities footprint resides and supports,” she says.
“The visionary First Nations leadership shown by Deputy Vice-President Indigenous Engagement, Professor Miller and his team has only continued to fuel my passion for the tertiary education sector.
“Collaborating with community and a team of passionate researchers, especially when themes start to develop and everything begins to come together, is one of the most satisfying parts of being at CQU.
“I enjoy the challenge of bringing different elements together.”
She says a key highlight was working on a community-led research project which examined the impact of the establishment of a Police-Citizens Youth Club (PCYC) on youth behaviours in Queensland’s Woorabinda community.
Funded through a community partnership with BHP and BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA), the research project was undertaken by CQUniversity’s Office of Indigenous Engagement (OIE) and run in collaboration with the Queensland Police Service (QPS), Woorabinda Aboriginal Shire Council (WASC), and Queensland PCYC.
“Our findings highlighted the PCYC programs positive impact on community harmony and the resounding improvements on the general health and wellbeing of the participating youth,” says Ms Stewart.
“It is a privilege to be able to work alongside First Nations communities, to truly listen to their voices and support them in achieving their goals.”
Pursuing a PhD
Recently, Madeline stepped into a new role which she believes will help her bridge the gap between the classroom and real-world application, as a CQUniversity Lecturer in First Nations Studies.
“Education has always been a cornerstone of my career,” she says.
“As a part of the OIE’s Learning and Teaching team, I am able to apply my specialist skills in First Nations studies to initiate, develop, and support CQUniversity course and unit offerings in First Nations Cultural Competency.
“Currently I am designing and delivering a series of professional development programs in First Nations Cultural Competency.”
After completing a Master of Educational Leadership in 2023, Ms Stewart hopes to further develop her skills with interest in pursuing a PhD at CQU.
“My career plan is to continue contributing to the field through research and eventually share my experiences and knowledge to keep building towards better outcomes for First Nations people.”
