Debbie Carmody: Success starts with a strong identity to culture

Debbie Carmody, an Anangu woman, has just begun a PhD designed to assist Indigenous women as they shoot for the stars.

Supported by Lotterywest and Curtin University, Debbie’s studies will explore the barriers Aboriginal women face in the education system. She will work with the young Aboriginal girls of Kalgoorlie-Boulder to examine those aspects that discourage school attendance.

Completing primary school in Esperance, before moving to Kambalda to complete high school, Debbie’s schooling journey was one with many challenges.

‘I was at school in the seventies, and while it was very different back then I strongly believe a lot more can be done in Aboriginal education and it starts with empowering our youth,’ Debbie said.

‘I didn’t get very far with my education the first time around. I spent most of my time fighting racism and not quite understanding it. I didn’t realise until later that I was just as capable and intelligent as any of the other students.’

Shooting Stars’ mission to empower young Aboriginal girls and women drew Debbie to apply for the PhD scholarship and begin working in conjunction with Shooting Stars.

‘The education system as it stands does not have a culturally appropriate curriculum and is not taught in a culturally appropriate manner which makes it difficult for our youth to get a good education,’ she said.

‘My goal is to see our youth growing up to be strong and resilient people who can move in this world and within different cultures confidently and be able to achieve whatever it is they want to do.’

‘It’s all about a strong identity to culture. Only through culture, and being strong in that culture, can you move confidently forward within the world, and this is at the core of the Shooting Stars program.’

“With this, you always have something to fall back on, and know where you stand. You are black, beautiful and you have a very strong history.”

Shooting Stars Research Manager, Dr Rose Whitau, said the organisation is thrilled to have Debbie on board.

“To date, our research has been in house, so we’re very excited to get a fresh, external perspective,” Dr Whitau said.

“Shooting Stars is all about empowering Aboriginal girls and women and building relationships. Through this scholarship, we will not just be providing an opportunity for one Aboriginal woman to further her postgraduate career – she will be working with Shooting Stars staff and participants and will be a role model for them as well.”

Thanks to Major Supporter Lotterywest, Carmody’s PhD is completely funded, covering full education costs associated with the qualification and any necessary travel and accommodation expenses.