Dhunning - Indigenous Impact
Becoming a voice for First Nations Australians
Eleanor Coleman fits more into her week than most people do into a month. She works full-time, studies full-time, and even managed to earn a Dean’s Excellence Award for her efforts in Semester One, 2025.
Studying a Bachelor of Justice Studies at the University of Canberra, Eleanor has a passion for Indigenous rights and the representation of women in the legal system – an area she hopes to continue to contribute to once she graduates.
A proud Indigenous woman, Eleanor has used her time at UC – and particularly at the Ngunnawal Centre – to find a stronger connection to her culture.
“It really is a balancing act of trying to find that connection to a strong community that can support me during my studies and build on my connection to my culture and peoples: something I am grateful that the Ngunnawal Centre has been able to do,” Eleanor says.
A regular visitor to the Centre, Eleanor has become a familiar face to staff and students within the space.
“Sometimes I come here and just study, and sometimes it’s a study and a yap session. I bring my friend along on our study days and we hold each other accountable for our uni work. The Centre is an amazing environment to study in, it has such nice, clean, quiet facilities,” she says.
Throughout her time at the Centre, Eleanor has also made strong connections with the staff, who have supported her both academically and personally throughout her studies.
It’s a support system she’s needed while juggling her job with study commitments.
“Having a little homebase on campus, and the support of staff, is really nice. When I first started my degree, one of the Ngunnawal Centre staff sat down with me and went through all the scholarships I might be eligible for,” Eleanor says.
“They showed me how absolutely everything works: the systems, UC Canvas, parking permits. It’s all those things you just don’t think of until you need them.”
Eleanor now works as an Executive Assistant at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and previously at the Department of Health, within the First Nations Aged Care branch; it was there that she first grounded her passion for helping those who have been overlooked.
“As part of that role I helped run programs for Indigenous elders, which was incredible to experience first-hand, and it definitely proved to me that I want to do something Indigenous-focused,” she says.
“But I’ve always loved the advocacy side of things too.”
It was this love that prompted her to switch from studying nursing to her current study pathway. Her role also means that she might be able to undertake an overseas posting with DFAT once she finishes her studies.
“I plan to apply for posting, I believe that Australia needs to have a First Nations person there on the ground, actually able to speak on behalf of First Nations Australians at an international level. I think that’s critical,” Eleanor says.
However, her time studying hasn’t been without setbacks. During the early years of her nursing degree, and while she was still beginning her career, Eleanor received an ADHD diagnosis.
But she’s learned to use the diagnosis to find new ways to coordinate her busy life, in a way that works for her.
“I’ve still managed to get really good marks, and in this last semester I’ve got Distinctions and High Distinctions, which has been really nice.”
Words by Elly Mackay, photos UC Media.