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Indigenous educator to become Senior Fellow
Environmental educator Beverly Hand’s links with the University of the Sunshine Coast go back to well before it opened in 1996.
In fact, Beverly’s Indigenous connection to the land on which the University sits gives this Kabi Kabi woman a unique and inspiring relationship with the educational institution.
So it will be with great pride and excitement when she receives an Honorary Senior Fellowship at USC’s Graduation Ceremony on Wednesday 20 April.
Beverly’s mother, Penny Bond, became an Honorary Senior Fellow in 2000 for her work as an adviser on Indigenous issues to USC’s founding Vice-Chancellor Paul Thomas during the establishment of the University in the mid-1990s.
Following in her mother’s footsteps in this way is an added thrill for Beverly, who has also had an advisory role with USC since its inception.
Beverly, of Maleny, has worked in conservation and land management on the Sunshine Coast for the past 22 years.
Her interest in teaching people about the environment – as a volunteer, guest lecturer and as an employee of Barung Landcare and private firm John Pearson Consulting – stems from her deep love for country.
“I got into this area of work because this is my country. This is where my home is.” she said. “I need to know as much as possible about my country and to share that with others.
“I believe in proactively caring for country. If I can share with people what my country has to offer, the more care they will take and be more responsible for looking after it.”
Beverly’s involvement with the University includes speaking as a guest lecturer about Indigenous history, culture and care for the environment, supporting events run by USC’s Indigenous Services, and leading “bush tucker” walks around campus during Orientation each year.
“I do the bush tucker walks to give students a grounding of where they’re at and a sense of place,” she said. “I take students around campus and talk to them about culture and the ecological perspective of the campus.”
Beverly’s environmental work also involves presenting to schools, community groups, businesses, local governments and the state government.
“I’ll do talks, walks and presentations … it varies,” she said. “A lot of people refer to me as the story teller. I tell stories about Indigenous culture, history, heritage, the environment and how we relate to the environment.”
USC’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Greg Hill said Beverly was a tireless worker for the environment and a strong supporter of the University and numerous other organisations on the Sunshine Coast.
“She is someone who is very interested in her community and in the University, and she is a worthy recipient of this honorary award,” he said.
— Terry Walsh