Big wins for CQU students with First Nations firm partnership
CQUniversity and consultancy firm Anaiwan Advisory have begun an exciting relationship that promises mentorship and employment opportunities for students as well as the development of new courses for the University’s School of Business and Law.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the two parties to demonstrate the commitment between the University and Anaiwan Advisory to work together to achieve several goals, including the integration of First Nations’ knowledge and culture and professional services expertise into courses, and the development of mentorship and career opportunities.
Anaiwan Advisory is a wholly First Nations owned and operated commercial advisory firm with a history of servicing government, education, civil and corporate sectors.
With experience in procurement, commercial project delivery and management advisory, and in supporting large scale and complex projects in Australia, Anaiwan Advisory is well-placed to provide valuable support to CQUniversity and to its students around the country.
CQUniversity’s Deputy Dean (Learning and Teaching) for the School of Business and Law Associate Professor Anthony Weber said the new partnership with Anaiwan Advisory was an excellent fit for CQUniversity.
“Anaiwan’s vision to provide mentorship and career opportunities for students and impart First Nation’s knowledge, experience and culture into the University’s operations, is reflected in the University’s own RAP (Reconciliation Action Plan),” he explained.
“The partnership will enable pro-bono career mentorship for students who will be selected via a holistic assessment criterion, the development of a career link program for students to access employment opportunities, and the development of new course material with the potential for two new Graduate Certificate courses.
“As the partnership matures, we anticipate an annual scholarship will be launched for a First Nations student in the School of Business and Law.”
Anaiwan Advisory Partner and CQUniversity alumnus Jesse Trecco-Alexander said the MoU with CQUniversity underscored the firm’s commitment to social impact and the economic empowerment of First Nations students.
“This partnership leverages Anaiwan Advisory’s expertise in solving complex problems for our clients across the country and our leadership’s passion for community contribution.
“It is a strategic collaboration aimed at extending specific economic participation and development opportunities directly to CQUniversity students.”
Mr Trecco-Alexander said that through offering careers linking and mentoring with accomplished professionals, they hoped to bridge the gap between academic achievement and real-world economic empowerment.
“CQUniversity’s national reach and commitment to quality education for students from all backgrounds resonates with Anaiwan Advisory’s mission.
“The university’s programs, humble beginnings and integration in regional communities align perfectly with our objectives to dismantle barriers and create inclusive opportunities for student success.”
As an alumnus, Mr Trecco-Alexander already has deep connections to CQUniversity and was keen to reconnect with the University to provide support for students from similar backgrounds.
“I was personally well-supported by CQU in completing my education in regional Queensland. However, the steps and support required to find jobs of significance at a national level were much larger than those needed to enter study,” he explained.
“It is a privilege to now be in a position to form a partnership like this with CQU to support their students by providing small, tangible steps toward graduate careers.
“Our aim is to introduce First Nations students to worlds of opportunity that they have not previously imagined.”
