Kayannie Denigan is looking forward to putting her new knowledge of public policy into practice after completing a Master of Public Policy at The Australian National University (ANU).
The Sir Roland Wilson Pat Turner scholar from the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications will be returning to the Australian Public Service (APS) next month.
Kayannie is Aṉangu Luritja with strong family and cultural ties to Bagarrmuguwarra and Kuku Yalanji Bama of Cape York.
Prior to her scholarship, Kayannie had mixed experiences with university. After finishing high school, she enrolled an undergraduate degree in political science and history but found that it wasn’t for her at the time. However subsequent work experience and an interest in career progress helped to renew her focus.
“Living in Cairns, there were a limited number of jobs. In order to be competitive, I found I needed to have a university qualification,” Kayannie said.
Some years after her initial experience, Kayannie returned to university to study history and Aboriginal studies. She discovered her passion for learning.
“Learning is amazing. Studying gives you new content, ways to think and to talk to people. It helps you make new connections.”
At the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications, Kayannie managed policy, operations and heritage responsibilities in Australian territories prior to her studies.
“I applied for the scholarship to do a Master of Public Policy because I felt it would help me tackle some of the challenges faced by the APS,” Kayannie said.
The Master of Public Policy covers foundations and evidence in public policy, public sector management, an introduction to economics and policy research. Kayannie also undertook electives in public sector ethics and Indigenous governance.
The Sir Roland Wilson Pat Turner scholarship is a one-to-three-year full pay scholarship for any level of postgraduate study at ANU or Charles Darwin University for high performing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander APS 4 to SES Band 1 APS employees.
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