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Indigenous graduates
Learn more about USC's Indigenous Australian graduates and their achievements since finishing study. If you are an Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander or Australian South Sea Islander graduate, and you would like to share your story, we would love to hear from you.
Brendan Powell
Brendan has been employed at USC since 2001. Formerly the Indigenous Services Coordinator for six years (2001–2007), Brendan began tutoring part-time and in July 2007 moved to the Faculty of Business full-time (2007–2009) following the completion of his MBA in 2006. After a two-year break from USC he now returns part-time to Student Services as acting head of the Buranga Centre.
Brendan has also been employed full-time by QLD OzTag since 2009 as Business Operations Manager. His studies in the MBA has ensured rapid growth and success for social sport and his role is to ensure the QLD OzTag has in place systems and procedures to ensure smoothness and efficiency in business operations across all OzTag venues throughout Queensland. He hopes to return to University of the Sunshine Coast to complete a PhD in Sports Marketing in the near future.
Briony Boyd
Briony Boyd is our first Australian South Sea Islander graduate at the University of the Sunshine Coast. Briony completed her Bachelor of Human Services (Community Services) in 2008, and while studying at University, Briony worked in many areas within the Department of Families, Youth, and Comminuty Welfare Office. In 2007, Briony completed Case Worker training through Caboolture Youth Justice and Briony now works in "Helping our People Engage" (HOPE) based in Nambour.
Bridgette Williams 
There is nothing holding her back! Bridgette completed her Bachelor of Social Science degree with majors in International Relations and Sociology in 2009. Whilst studying, she participated in the University's exchange program, the GO Program, in the United States, studying in Michigan for six months. "After studying and travelling in another country I want to go back," says Bridgette. In 2011, the opportunity to ‘go back’ to USA was granted as Bridgette was selected to participate in the New York Marathon as one of two Indigenous Australian women for The Marathon Project. Bridgette now works as a Learning Assistance Officer in the Gumurrii Student Support Unit at Griffith University, Brisbane.
Lee Clarke 
Lee graduated in 2009 with an Environmental Science degree and successfully gained a cadetship within the Faculty of Science, Health and Education. Lee worked with Senior Lecturer in Marine Science Dr Thomas Schlacher.
"It was fantastic to have the opportunity to go on field trips with Dr Schlacher collecting specimens then bring them back to the university lab to collate as part of a marine science project," says Lee.
Lee continues learning in the environmental science area and is currently completing a Commercial Dive Course off the coast of Western Australia. Lee is considering returning to University of the Sunshine Coast to pursue a Masters Degree.
More information
Contact Indigenous Services