USQ staff member receives ACAG Participation Award

USQ's Refugee Support and Student Inclusion Officer Sue Bishop was one of 38 Toowoomba residents recognised for their support of Toowoomba’s growing refugee and migrant community.

The Agencies CALD Action Group (ACAG) celebrated three years of working in the Toowoomba region by holding the ACAG Participation Awards 2008-2011 last Wednesday.

The awards celebrate people such as Ms Bishop who help refugees and migrants settle into Toowoomba and the Australian way of life as well as people who help the ACAG with their work.

Ms Bishop said working with Toowoomba’s refugees was the most rewarding job she ever had.

‘They are wonderful people; very highly motivated and very warm and friendly,’ she said.

‘I am from Africa originally myself and have taught there at a large school in a low socioeconomic township.

‘I am very committed to giving these students a chance to make a new life for themselves.’

Ms Bishop said it was a pleasure working with the ACAG.

‘The early intervention workshops delivered by the ACAG to newly arrived refugees have helped them adjust to Australian life,’ she said.

‘Refugees are people who have suffered a great deal and usually have come to Australia after a long struggle.

‘It is very important that we help those who are capable of university study to reach their full potential.

‘A degree can lead to economic inclusion, a sense of self worth, empowerment and personal growth.’

Callum Johnson, USQ Media, (07) 4631 1163