Australian Catholic University's (ACU) Aunty Joan Hendriks Aboriginal and Torres Strait Leaders scholarships have been awarded to Brisbane’s first Aboriginal Deacon Clinton McGoldrick and law student Onyinye Nwamadwhich. 

The award provides up to $100,000 to emerging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders to support their education and professional careers.

ACU's vice-chancellor and president Professor Zlatko Skrbis said the scholarship will support leaders throughout their lifelong educational journey. 

“They can pursue multiple degrees, create a bespoke mentoring program and access opportunities to expand learning through travel," he said in a statement. 

Clinton has commenced a Bachelor of Theology at ACU’s Brisbane campus but is already eyeing a PhD that would explore the impact on Indigenous cultures of European colonisation in Australia and plans to make a difference through education.

“I want to establish what this country looked like prior to colonisation so people can realise what they’re missing,” he said. “There’s a lot of intellectuals who can take that knowledge and do good things, to drive that reconciliation and truth telling."

Clinton has taught for 13 years in the Diocese of Toowoomba and since 2017 has been the program leader for ministry and service at St Patrick’s College, Shorncliffe.

He is responsible for many programs, including Paddy’s Van, which provides meals and an outreach service to disadvantaged families in Sandgate, Bracken Ridge and Brighton. 

“I hope our programs planted a seed within the students to make a difference, to leave here and take the generosity they’ve learned and do amazing things," he said.

Onyinye has commenced a Bachelor of Law and Global Studies at ACU’s North Sydney campus.

"This degree will give me the chance to advocate for people and be proactive for positive change," she said.

Read more 

Above: Clinton McGoldrick and Onyinye Nwamadi. Source CathNews