7 Aura locals making a difference: Madde Graham, school captain and Indigenous leader at Baringa State Secondary College
With Stockland Aura celebrating its 7th birthday this year, we caught up with local student and Indigenous leader Madde, to find out more about her leadership role in the community inspiring her fellow First Nations students and what she loves about living in Aura.
Tell us about what it means to be a student leader and Indigenous leader?
Being a School Captain at Baringa State Secondary College means taking on the responsibility of guiding and inspiring students, teachers, and staff to uphold the school RIC (Respect, Integrity, Courage) values and strive for a common goal. It involves setting a vision for the College and through collaboration working towards making the College better for the students and staff. Being the Indigenous leader means I am able to inspire my fellow First Nations students to commit to listening, learning, and working in partnership with the Kabi Kabi community, fostering respect, understanding and reconciliation and to excite other students to learn and take the learning journey with us.
What do you think you are going to love most about your new responsibilities?
What I will love about my new role is to show my integrity as a person moving into our senior years and being an advocate for continuous learning and growth within the school community.
If you had to describe your role using emojis what would you choose?
🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
When you’re not at school, what do you like to do in your spare time / what are your passions?
I play rugby league for Kawana Rugby League and my favourite position is in the forwards pack and I also referee junior rugby league for Kawana. I work for KFC, love to hang out with my family and friends, love card and board games, playing with my kittens and swimming in our pool.
If you could have 7 extra hours in a day, how would you spend them?
Hanging out with friends and my family, extra time to connect to culture, chilling and a little more sleeping.
What does “community” mean to you?
To me, community is where I live. Community is connecting back to culture. Community is a large amount of individuals that live together for support. Our community in Aura represents the belief that we are not alone, but building to something greater than ourselves, all linked to a common purpose.
Are there any local organisations or initiatives that you are passionate about or admire?
I really like what SCARS (Sunshine Coast Animal Refuge) do as I believe every animal needs a home. Also PCYC Sunshine Coast - I have spent time working with teens my own age in the Booyah and the Get Ready for Work program and I could see the difference in my peers when they feel supported and cared for. I have also just stumbled across Aura Meal Exchange and think they are making a difference for families that are struggling right now and I’d like to know more on how I can help.
What do you love most about the Aura community?
Currently I love being able to get around, hang out in the parks and be with my friends, but its growth is showing me what potential my future can hold.