Growing up in the remote Aboriginal community of Cherbourg, Rashonda’s dream was put on the sidelines when she was unable to complete high school.

Now, with the help of a traineeship and the Equity Scholarship, she is well on the way to reaching her goals.

“My career goals in life are to become the first ever descendant and family member out of my community to become a lawyer and I also want to start my own business in the near future,” Rashonda said.

“I want to start my own nail and eyelash business here in my community because the girls have to travel away to get it done, which is expensive, but I can make it cheaper for the ladies in my community.”

Rashonda, a proud Wakka Wakka and Ngugi descendant, is completing a traineeship with the Cherbourg First Nations Service Centre while studying a Certificate III in Business (BSB30120).

As a founding sponsor of the scholarship program, RACQ has proudly funded six scholarships over the past three years to support First Nations students in training in their chosen area.

The $5,000 scholarships help cover the costs of course fees, textbooks and living expenses.

“Receiving the scholarship was unreal. Words couldn’t express how I was feeling when I found out the great news,” Rashonda said.

“I was able to buy what I needed to study successfully and not have to worry about the expense.”

RACQ Community and Sponsorship Manager Melanie Calzavara said RACQ was proud to play a small role in helping the next generation of First Nations Queenslanders to have access to educational opportunities.

“As Queensland’s largest Club, we recognise the important role we play in supporting our communities across the State, and we’re proud to play a small role in helping the next generation through this sponsorship,” Melanie said.

“A solid education is vital to give our youth a good start in life.

“We look forward to continuing this partnership with TAFE Queensland Foundation to make education more accessible for all Queenslanders.”