First published 6 July 2026
5-12 July is National NAIDOC Week, celebrating and recognising the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth.
At QUT, we want to pause to honour our First Nations cultures—and to recognise the achievements and promise of two of our students as they shine a light on different aspects of Indigenous culture and history.
Keely Eggmolesse and Brett Leavey are both undertaking their PhD studies at QUT.
Keely, a proud Kabi Kabi, Gooreng Gooreng, and South Sea Islander woman, is a multidisciplinary artist and researcher, based on Butchulla Country in Queensland. Her PhD explores the intersections of Indigeneity, neurodivergence, and gender, through story, Song, and sensuality.
Brett, a 2019 CSIRO Indigenous STEM Awards Finalist, is utilising the vast potential of 21st century immersive technologies like virtual reality to bring fresh insights into Indigenous history.
"My research focus sits at the intersection of cultural sovereignty, virtual heritage, and immersive technology," Brett said. "My PhD is a study and analysis of my creative practice and case studies, which include the flagship Virtual Songlines Digital Twin / INDIJIVERSE, a navigable, photorealistic virtual heritage digital twin of pre-colonial Australia.
"The case-studies for my PHD in several interactive and authentic virtual heritage experiences that include Virtual Binkinba (Brisbane Powerhouse), Virtual Warrane (Sydney Custom House), Virtual Dharug (Western Sydney Airport), Virtual Whadjuk (Yagan Square, Perth), and Trailblazers (projected onto the Sydney Opera House, Invasion Day). My other case studies include installations at the Australian National Maritime Museum, ACMI, and Herberton Historical Village."
Both Keely and Brett were the recipients of The Geoffrey and Cynthia Taylor Bursary for 2026.
"This bursary has supported my studies by easing financial pressures associated with research, creative development, travel, and cultural engagement," Keely said, "allowing me to dedicate more time and care to culturally grounded, practice-led research."
For Brett, the bursary has offset some of his costs and helped free up avenues of further study and exploration. It "helped with my time spent exploring questions about how an IndijiSeal, Eldervation, and Blacktracker might help protect First Nations ICIP, where AI is scraping this knowledge," he said.
We are thrilled that this bursary has helped ease the load for these two students, and smoothed the path for deeper and more practical research. We look forward to seeing both Keely and Brett complete their doctorates and add their knowledge and wisdom to our shared understanding and appreciation for First Nations cultures.
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The Geoffrey and Cynthia Taylor Bursary was established by David and Trevor Taylor as a memorial to their parents. Geoffrey Taylor completed a Certificate of Teaching at QUT's predecessor institution in 1943.
The wider Taylor family also hold a deep connection to QUT as alumni and staff and have a commitment to lifelong learning and community—principles that uphold the bursary's aim to reward First Nations students for their dedication and commitment to university, research, and future career aspirations.
