ANU Indigenous graduate working for constitutional change
Charlee-Sue Frail and fellow graduate Bhiamie Eckford-Williamson.
Arts graduate Charlee-Sue Frail is a Ngemba woman and the first person in her family to graduate from university.
During her degree, Charlee-Sue worked part time at Recognise, the educational campaign for constitutional recognition of first Australians, a job she now does full time.
“It is not only a job but something I am really passionate about. I want to see change in the constitution to reflect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and remove race clauses,” she said.
“It’s a pretty rare and absolutely incredible opportunity to work on the constitution and who knows where that will take me.”
Charlee-Sue grew up in Armidale and then moved to Wollongong to complete her schooling.
Her family originates from Brewarrina, a rural and remote community in Northern New South Wales. Bhiamie Eckford-Williamson, from the same community, also graduated this week with a Bachelor of Arts with Honours.
“I could have studied in Wollongong but I wanted to come to Canberra and study political science and be involved in the space,” she said.
“At ANU I was lucky enough to be taught by some of the best academics in the country and there was a lot of flexibility within my degree to do more research based projects which enabled me to focus on what I wanted to learn.”
Charlee-Sue has graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Political Science, Anthropology and Sociology.
Her extended family from rural and remote Australia came to ANU to be with her at her graduation.
“I am so excited to be finishing off this chapter. It won’t be the last of study for me,” she said.
Watch the video to hear more from Charlee-Sue.