Rokiyah Bin Swani (BCom’14) is a proud Bard (Lombadina, West Kimberley) and Samsep (Erub Island, Torres Strait Islands) woman that grew up living in the Broome and Lombadina community and was named a 2021 Rising Star by Australian magazine The Educator.
As the Pathways Coordinator for the non-profit Shooting Stars, an Aboriginal girls’ engagement and education program, Ms Bin Swani works with young Indigenous women to support year 12 attainment and the transition into meaningful post-school pathways, traveling and working with 20+ communities and schools across WA and SA. She is also a director of the EON Foundation, a nutrition-focused and disease prevention program based in WA and the NT.
“It is so important that First Nation’s people are empowered to design and lead programs that are for them, as these are the programs that have the greatest impact in the community.
“At Shooting Stars, the programs are community led with a strength-based approach and tailored to provide effective support to young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.”
Prior to this, Ms Bin Swani worked at Presbyterian Ladies College as the Indigenous Scholarship Program Coordinator. She believes education is key to creating intergenerational change and has enjoyed her career working with young Indigenous women to reach their educational goals and find meaningful post-school pathways.
Growing up on saltwater country, Ms Bin Swani’s own pathway to university was influenced by an affinity with the land, the ocean and marine life. She started with a Bachelor of Science majoring in Marine Biology at UWA.
“My Nanna taught me about our culture, language, connection to country… and where the best fishing spots are!” Ms Bin Swani said.
“My first year of study was challenging to begin with, but after a year, I made the decision to change to a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Human Resources and Marketing.
“From this experience, I would encourage Indigenous university students to give all opportunities a go and to push through the challenges, but also to not be afraid to follow your instincts and divert your path if you know it’s not working.”
This year’s NAIDOC theme “For Our Elders” is very special to Ms Bin Swani.
“My beautiful Nanna passed away this year and the theme for me, is a homage to her,” Ms Bin Swani said.
“Our Elders provide us with the strength, resilience and knowledge to remain the longest living culture in the world.
“During NAIDOC I will be reflecting on my memories with her to guide me, I know her legacy will continue for generations through her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.”
Cover image: coast line at Dampier Peninsula