Inspired to Give Back

Born and raised in Lithgow, New South Wales, Bridget’s life experiences growing up and her desire to make a positive difference to her community inspired her to pursue a double degree in Law and Indigenous Studies at UNSW.

In 2014, Bridget was fortunate to be selected as a recipient of the Ngiam Tong Yuen Scholarship. Receiving this scholarship was a very special achievement for Bridget and her family.

“I’m the first person in my immediate family to attend university, and I’m the first in my entire family to ever study law, so I’m very proud of that.”

While her move from a small town to a university campus initially took some adjustment, Bridget excelled in her studies, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts (Indigenous Studies) with Distinction and Bachelor of Laws at UNSW.

Bridget was also successful in securing part-time work as a paralegal at Gilbert + Tobin through their Indigenous Cadetship program and was sent on secondment to the Northern Land Council and Chalk & Behrendt, which complemented her studies. Bridget plans to return to Gilbert + Tobin in 2020 to commence her graduate offer with the firm.

In May 2019, Bridget graduated with her proud mother, Kym, and father, Joeli, by her side.

“Bridget always had a hard work ethic. I always knew that she could do it. With your sponsorship and scholarship, it just made it so much easier for her to achieve what she wanted to achieve,” Bridget’s mother said.

Since completing her studies, Bridget has received many valuable work experience opportunities. She is currently a researcher to Professor Megan Davis, Pro Vice-Chancellor Indigenous at UNSW. Bridget is working closely with Professor Davis on the reforms in relation to the Uluru Statement from the Heart, namely the movement to enshrine a First Nations Voice in the Constitution and is a part of the organising team for the upcoming Uluru Youth meetings.

Bridget remains incredibly grateful for having been chosen as a recipient of the Ngiam Tong Yuen Scholarship, crediting this with providing her the support and encouragement to achieve her educational goals.

“I would like to say thank you to Mr Ngiam and his family for their support throughout my degree and my studies. It has definitely helped me financially and alleviated a lot of stress. It has also helped me to stay determined throughout my degree to do really well in my studies.”

Moving forward, Bridget plans to use the skills she learned at UNSW Law to benefit those in need.

“I’ve worked really hard and I hope that I can give back to the community from which I come from.”