Queensland University of Technology student and proud Wiradjuri woman Christine Conn was awarded the 2025 John Koowarta Reconciliation Law Scholarship during the Law Council of Australia’s Gala Dinner in Canberra on Friday night.
Christine is congratulated by Greg McIntyre.
Law Council of Australia President Greg McIntyre SC said the John Koowarta Scholarship provided financial assistance and the opportunity for mentoring to an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander law student during their penultimate year of study.
Since its inception in 1994, the scholarship has assisted more than 35 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples complete their legal studies.
“Christine is a highly deserving recipient, and I look forward to the valuable contribution that I am confident she will go on to make to the legal profession,” Greg said.
“Christine is the first member of her family to study at university and is undertaking a double degree.
“She has a strong interest in criminal law and plans to pursue a career that enables her to help people and ensure they are represented with understanding and compassion.”
Christine said: “To be awarded the 2025 John Koowarta Scholarship is an immense honour, not only for me but my family and community.
“This scholarship, and its namesake in John Koowarta, is a reflection of perseverance, overcoming adversity, and the pursuit of Blak Excellence. I am incredibly honoured to be associated with these values.
“This scholarship will be fundamental to my continuing ability to live so far from home to get the best education I can. I am so honoured to be considered for this scholarship and cannot thank the Law Council enough.”
The scholarship commemorates Mr Koowarta, a member of the Winychanam community at Aurukun and a traditional owner of the Archer River region on Cape York Peninsula.
He challenged the Queensland Government under the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth) after its decision to prevent the Aboriginal Land Fund from acquiring a crown lease on a pastoral property for the Winychanam people. He died in 1991 without fulfilling his dream of seeing his traditional lands returned.
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