Confidence and cultural awareness have pushed Cleveland student Brianna Morrison to dive into the deep end, forging a new path in protecting Australia’s endangered coral reefs.
The Beyond the Broncos student from Cleveland District State High School was awarded the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year Award at the 2023 SEQ Training Awards.
Brianna acknowledged the Beyond the Broncos Leadership Program for nurturing her cultural awareness and reigniting her confidence.
“I had to make a speech when I accepted my award and the Broncos Leadership Program really prepared me for that,” Brianna said.
“I’ve met a lot of new people that I’ve become good friends with, and I’ve learned so many skills I can take away with me from the program as well.”
Balancing marine studies with her Senior Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ambassador role at Cleveland District State High School, Brianna successfully completed her VET Marine Placement Program and now has her sights set on coral reef conservation.
“My studies were on how to protect and conserve the marine environment and that went for over a year, and I definitely want to study marine biology at university now,” she said.
Broncos student support officer Taylor Button said she was proud of the successful marine student and what she had accomplished with confidence and public speaking since the program.
“She said to me the other day how going to the leadership camp and being in the leadership program has helped her with her confidence speaking,” Ms Button said.
“She made a speech when she got the award, and the leadership program helped expand her skills to do her own speech.
“I think she’s definitely going to be a great leader even after school and I think lots of the younger kids see her as a role model.”
Brisbane Broncos community and government programs general manager Christine Halliwell said the program was important in shaping the next generation of leaders.
“Our Beyond the Broncos Program has helped more than 216 students in the Redland City region to find their feet, re-engage with their learning and become strong leaders,” Ms Halliwell said.
“The Redlands region also has the highest program attendance rate of all the regions, we’re in at 90.12 per cent.”
