CLICK HERE to take part in the 2022 Kumai Karulbo Indigenous Gala Silent Auction.
As the eldest of five siblings, Shonteia Warradoo knows a thing or two about leading by example.
At just 18 years old, the proud Umpila Kuuku Ya’u and Widjabul Wia-bul woman has her sights firmly set on an impactful future advocating for First Nations Peoples’ rights.
It’s a dream that is becoming a reality for the Bond University Indigenous Scholarship student – who is set to share her story at the upcoming Indigenous Gala ‘Kumai Karulbo,’ as the master of ceremonies.
“I went straight from school into the Bond College program. I wanted to take it slowly initially to make sure university was the right direction for me,” reflects Miss Warradoo.
“I’ve been able to ease into uni life comfortably, and now I know that I want to study a degree at Bond.
“I applied for an Indigenous Scholarship and was beyond excited when I became a successful applicant.”
Shonteia is currently two thirds of the way through a Diploma of Arts as part of the Bond University College program.
Bond College provides pathways to undergraduate study and is fully integrated with the University’s educational structure and lifestyle.
At the end of the year, Shonteia will transition into a bachelor’s degree focusing on policy, philosophy, and economics.
“I want to go into politics, mainly working on First Nation campaigning,” says Miss Warradoo.
“Positive legislation policy reform has a massive impact on our people, so I’d like to get into that space and advocate in the political realm where Indigenous voices aren’t really represented.”
As the emcee for Bond’s Indigenous Gala, Shonteia isn’t the least bit nervous about sharing her story and experience as a First Nations student with an audience of over 500 corporate and community attendees.
She’s passionate about making a difference and is excited to encourage other Indigenous students to consider following in her footsteps.
“I think a lot of young people get bogged down in thinking they have to get really good grades in school to transition into university, but there’s so many different pathways to access tertiary education,” explains Miss Warradoo.
Miss Warradoo attributes a large portion of her positive university experience to the institution’s Nyombil Indigenous Support Centre.
“I’m now in this pretty unique position where I’m surrounded by really passionate and educated Indigenous people.
“For so long, we haven’t been able to access these spaces – but Bond’s Nyombil Centre has made this possible, creating a foundation for community for First Nations students.”
“The staff are amazing. We’ve been working closely on different initiatives and creating events to further support Indigenous students.
“Even just getting to know other Indigenous students at Bond and working on a collective goal has been an important step forward.”
Bond University is hosting the 2022 Kumai Karulbo Indigenous Gala on October 14 to raise funds for scholarships, grants and bursaries for Bond's Indigenous students. The event has been operating annually since 2010 and has raised almost $3.2 million to support students like Shonteia.
