Dakabin State High student kicking goals

Published 11:30am 5 January 2022

Dakabin State High School student Billie-Lee Boudar has been honoured with a prestigious award recognising her dedication to education and strong cultural leadership.

Billie-Lee, who completed Year 11 last year, is among a new generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women reconnecting to culture and kicking academic goals.

A Beyond the Broncos Girls Academy student, Billie-Lee received an NRMA Insurance Student Award, which also recognises her high attendance rate at school.

Linking cultural identity with academic achievement, more than 390 students across the region were enrolled in last year’s Beyond the Broncos Girls Academy, which is an initiative to inspire, empower and assist with educational opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls.

Billie-Lee was presented with her NRMA Insurance trophy by sporting stars Ali Brigginshaw and Scott Prince at a special Girls Academy event.

More than 200 young Indigenous students graduated from last year’s program across Queensland and northern NSW.

The Academy mentors and supports girls in Years 7-12 and into young adulthood to help them succeed as young leaders.

Positive attitude

Beyond the Broncos ambassador Ali Brigginshaw says she was thrilled to present the Billie-Lee with her award.

“Billie-Lee possesses strong cultural leadership and has become a confidant to her younger peers, becoming someone they come to for guidance and advice,” Ali says.

“Always trying her hardest to overcome obstacles to complete school and finish her optometry traineeship, Billie-Lee’s positive attitude always shines to all who meet her.

“She assists with cultural events and programs, continuing to become more actively engaged within the community.

“Billie-Lee has achieved more than 90 per cent school attendance, portrayed a positive attitude to her education, been actively involved in the program and demonstrated strong cultural leadership.”

Brisbane Broncos general manager of community and government programs Christine Halliwell says leaders including Ali and Scott encourage the next generation to take a positive step towards future careers.

Making a difference

“In Moreton Bay, we have seen an increase in young Indigenous girls attending school and valuing education, highlighting the benefits of the program,” Christine says.

“It is inspiring to see what a difference the program has made to these young girls’ lives.

“They are setting goals for the future and are determined to make a difference in their communities.

“Through the Girls Academy, we have the opportunity to make Australia better for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women now and into the future.”

Beyond the Broncos Girls Academy has supported more than 4000 students since 2016, recognising the vital role young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women play in influencing the next generation.