Anthea Moodie secures prestigious scholarship, earns Fiji internship

TOOWOOMBA student-athlete Anthea Moodie has been given the opportunity of a lifetime with a prestigious honour.

Anthea Moodie in action for the South Toowoomba Bombers this season. Photo: Nev Madsen

SPORTS: Anthea Moodie has made a name for herself as a talented sportswoman across the Downs and beyond.

Whether it be athletics, rugby, touch or Aussie rules, she hasn’t been afraid to put her mind to trying new things.

Now, her love of sport and academic prowess have combined to present her with the opportunity of a lifetime.

Currently studying a Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Communication and Journalism at Griffith University, Moodie has landed a prestigious role.

She was awarded a New Colombo Plan scholarship for 2021, a program dedicated to increase knowledge of the Indo-Pacific in Australia, being granted the Indigenous Fellow in the process as the top-ranked Indigenous candidate.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to be one of 125 people across Australia to be awarded the scholarship,” Moodie said.

“It’s run by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and allows us to travel to an Indo-Pacific country of our choice to study towards our degree.”

Through this she will embark on an internship in Fiji, working with the NRL Pacific Outreach program to gather more information on how sport can provide opportunities for those in marginalised communities to engage, connect and excel.

“Being quite a sports person, I decided to go to Fiji, because it is a nation where sport is considered a religion,” she said.

“I went there to compete at the Oceania Games a few years ago and was able to witness the sportsmanship and passion that is there.

Anthea Moodie wins gold at the Oceania Athletics Championships in Fiji. Photo: Contributed

“I’m planning to go there at the end of next year, but it just depends on when COVID allows us to.

“I’ll be studying at the University of the South Pacific where I’ll complete some of my journalism subjects to go towards my degree.

“I love my rugby league. The program uses rugby league as a tool to combat some of the issues with children attending school and social issues, which is why it appeals to me.

“Indigenous Australia has similar problems, so I wanted to see what they do and how they use sport to combat some of those issues and bring those ideas back to Australia.”

A proud Gunggari woman, Moodie said she was anticipating the chance to take in a new culture, and hopefully provide inspiration of her own.

“It hasn’t sunk in how privileged I am. It’s not something I would have ever thought of,” she said.

“I’m looking forward to going over there and immersing myself in the culture and get different perspectives on things.

“As an Indigenous woman, I hope this inspires other students that opportunities like this are available.”

Originally published as Anthea Moodie secures prestigious scholarship, earns Fiji internship