Larrakia woman Imogene Briston graduated from Charles Darwin University (CDU) with a Bachelor of Laws this week, having broken down barriers to be there. Ms Briston is one of 95 First Nations people to receive a CDU qualification this semester.
Ms Briston’s ambition to be a role-model to her three children and make a difference in her community inspired her decision to enrol in a Bachelor of Law later in life. The course presented an opportunity to forge a new career path through exploring a love of legal studies and debating.
As well as juggling motherhood, sports, and work around her studies, Ms Briston said she experienced “a real learning curve, figuring out what works best for me and my family”.
Ms Briston currently works for the North Australian Aboriginal Family Legal Service, nurturing a passion for youth law and family law, and plans to draw on her new skills and qualification to support and advocate for vulnerable Territorians.
“There was always a motivating factor to show (my kids) that you can achieve in higher education, you can get these jobs, you can be a voice at the table for Aboriginal people,” she said.
Ms Briston is driven by her personal passion to speak up for the disadvantaged and advocate for people who need help in times of crisis and is keen to encourage other First Nations people to consider a qualification and career in law.
“We need more Indigenous lawyers in the NT advocating and speaking for our people. Although it was a long process, it has been a learning journey, it seems like a big marathon at the start but take it at your own pace,” she said.
CDU Vice-Chancellor Professor Scott Bowman congratulated this semester’s cohort of 1023 graduating students – including 661 in higher education, 362 in vocational education, and seven students becoming Doctors of Philosophy – on their academic achievements.
“This week we’re celebrating the hard work, perseverance, and dedication of the Northern Territory’s next generation of leaders and changemakers,” Professor Bowman said. “We cannot wait to see how their brilliant minds and skills will help to shape the Northern Territory, Australia and beyond.”
