"Education is essential" says NAB Indigenous Scholar Damien Bidjara-Barnes
Feb, 2008
Damien Bidjara-Barnes, the current National Australia Bank (NAB) Indigenous Scholar, didn’t have the easiest of upbringings. Constantly on the move across Australia, and attending six schools in 10 years, education was not exactly his priority. Back then, if you’d told him that he’d grow up to be Principal Solicitor responsible for native title claims in NSW and the ACT, he’d probably have laughed you out of the room.
Now, thanks to the NAB Indigenous Scholarship, he’s studying for the EMBA and says he is “exceptionally grateful” for an opportunity that will help him provide stronger leadership and have a greater impact with the indigenous communities he works in.
“The EMBA has pushed my boundaries and made me realise I am capable of much more”, said Damien. “I wouldn’t have been able to do the EMBA without the NAB’s support. That’s why I believe providing access to education through scholarships is so crucial. Indigenous Australians have got the same potential as everyone else – we just need the opportunities to show what we’re capable of.”
Ahmed Fahour (MBA 1993), NAB’s Executive Director and CEO Australia, has been delighted to partner with his alma mater to offer the scholarship which is, he says, “consistent with NAB’s value of helping people achieve their aspirations. It also ensures a greater School diversity that benefits students and faculty alike.”
“A good education is important for indigenous people to assist them in overcoming their disadvantage and lack of opportunities” concluded Damien. “You can’t get a good job unless you’re educated. This gives you an income, improves your self-esteem and provides for you and your family. Education is essential.”
Make a gift to support Indigenous education at Melbourne Business School: www.mbs.edu/supportingmbs
