‘I want to help to improve the lives of my people’: ADEA scholars celebrate NAIDOC Week

Following on from recently being awarded ADEA First Nations–focused scholarships, University of Technology Sydney (UTS) students Tamarla Smith and Tanikka Moore speak about what the accolades mean and pay tribute to their elders during NAIDOC celebrations this week.

Tamarla Smith, who received the ADEA Research and Dianne and Tom Klinge Scholarship, said this year’s NAIDOC Week theme—For Our Elders—was ‘very close to my heart’.

‘My grandfather was diagnosed with diabetes in his 60s, so this contributed to my passion in wanting to learn more about diabetes and how it affects my family and extended community,’ Ms Smith said.

‘I want to help improve the lives of my people.

‘I was always taught to be a proud Aboriginal woman; this has driven me to be at the forefront and be a leader for my people.’

Tamarla Smith received the ADEA Research and Dianne and Tom Klinge Scholarship. Photo: Supplied

The Gamilaroi/Weilwan woman with strong ties to Anaiwan Country also praised other family members and community elders for motivating and supporting her in her endeavours.

Ms Smith, born in Armidale, said the scholarship was life-changing and it would help her contribute to improving health outcomes.

‘I aspire to work in my local communities with my people to help close the gap between Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal peoples,’ she said.

‘This initiative is a driving source to have more qualified Aboriginal health professionals/specialists in our communities,’ Ms Smith said.

She encouraged others to pursue their goals.

‘Don’t let self-doubt hold you back. You’re not in it alone, there is support all around you from people who want to see you succeed,’ she said.

Fellow UTS student Tanikka Moore, who received the ADEA Research and Sanofi Australasia Scholarship, dedicated her success to her elders.

‘It’s wonderful to recognise and honour the influence they have had on my life,’ Ms Moore said.

‘They have played a vital role in shaping me into the woman I have become.

‘Their wisdom and presence have had a profound impact on my personal growth, cultural identity, and overall well-being.’

Tanikka Moore received the ADEA Research and Sanofi Australasia Scholarship. Photo: Supplied

Ms Moore, a proud Gomeroi woman, said the scholarship ‘recognises and celebrates the accomplishments and contributions of being a First Nations woman working in diabetes care’.

‘It provides a platform to highlight achievements and inspire and empower other Indigenous individuals who may be considering similar career paths,’ she said.

The scholarships were awarded during UTS’ Faculty of Health awards ceremony on 21 June.

Kathy Lemon, who has been contacted for an interview, received the ADEA Research and Dixie Klemm Scholarship.

The scholarships contribute to ADEA’s strategic pillar to collaborate with key stakeholders to improve outcomes for people with diabetes and were made possible thanks to the generous support of Sanofi, Dixie Klemm, and Tom and Dianne Klinge.

NAIDOC Week celebrates and recognises the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

For more information and to find a celebratory event in your local area, please visit the National NAIDOC website.