In celebration of NAIDOC Week we connected with some of our past Indigenous Australian Outstanding Alumni award winners to reflect on what it means to be deadly - a word that speaks not only to excellence and achievement, but also to pride, resilience, authenticity and the strength that comes from knowing who you are and where you come from. Their stories shine a light on the people who have inspired them, from Elders and family members to mentors and community leaders.
Sandra Angus
2004 Outstanding Award Winner for Faculty of Humanities and Human Sciences
Who is someone deadly in your life?
My deadly people are my ancestors, grandparents, parents, children, grandchildren and others within our community. Additionally, not forgotten, are those non Indigenous counterparts, who I have worked alongside who have also achieved change, through their work ethic, and ongoing work that’s informed and contributed to the policies and procedures and from constant lobbying, that have informed and created change.
Their strength, resilience, care, kindness, knowledge, achievements and abilities, always amaze me. I’m often in awe, of their continuous endurance, not just throughout my own lifetime, of 72 years. It’s during their much longer often unrecognised lifetime of achievements, which have improved our health and community knowledge and which had often not always been seen in their own lifetime.
Jessa Rogers
2016 Outstanding Young Alumnus
What does “deadly” mean to you?
Deadly, to me, means walking with integrity, holding myself to honesty even when it costs me something. It means leadership that lifts others rather than standing above them, and care and love for those coming behind: the young ones who will carry our Knowledge forward. Being deadly is mentorship, sitting beside someone, sharing what the Grandmothers and Elders shared with me, and making sure no one walks alone. It is showing up, keeping my word, and honouring Country in everything I do. Deadly is not about being the best. It is about being true, and bringing your people with you.
Elisa Jane Carmichael
2024 Outstanding Young Alumnus
What does “deadly” mean to you?
Strong, love, and proud!
Who is someone deadly in your life?
My Jarjums Ira and Maali
Author
Jenni is an innovative communications, marketing and engagement specialist with fifteen years of industry experience. She is also a proud QUT alumnus with a Bachelor of Creative Industries (Interdisciplinary).