Brianna Morrison (right) and Broncos Student Support Officer Taylor Button. Photo: Supplied.
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 recently awarded the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year Award at the 2023 South East Queensland Training Awards.
Reflecting on her success, 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 High School, Brianna completed her VET Marine Placement Program and now has her sights 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,” Brianna said.
Broncos Student Support Officer Taylor Button said she was proud of the successful marine student and what she has 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.
Christine Halliwell, General Manager of Community & Government Programs at the Brisbane Broncos, said the program was important in shaping the next generation of leaders like Brianna.
“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%.”
Since its establishment in 2016, Beyond the Broncos has supported over 4,000 students, recognising the pivotal role that young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders play in shaping the next generation.
