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Blending her passion with her future career, Olivia works as an Aboriginal Education Officer at a primary school in Sydney’s west while she pursues her degree, where she teaches songs in language and leads cultural groups. Her goal is to become a classroom teacher who brings music, language and pride into the lives of her students.

“I want to be that teacher that kids go, ‘Yes, I want to be like her,’” she said. “My mother always said to me, ‘You can’t be what you can’t see’. I knew I could become a teacher because I had her paving the way and being that physical model for kids is so important, especially our First Nations students.” 

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Strategy and Services) Reuben Bolt congratulated Olivia on her performance and the response she received, saying it highlights the role of education in preserving and sharing Aboriginal culture.

“Olivia’s story is a powerful example of how cultural knowledge and academic ambition can come together to inspire future generations,” Professor Bolt said. “Her work in the classroom and on the national stage demonstrates how language revitalisation supports identity, belonging and pride among Australians, bridging generational and cultural divides.”

Olivia’s decision to sing in Yawuru language – an endangered Western Australian language spoken by the traditional custodians of Broome —was made with permission and guidance from community Elders. She has now learned to sing in more than 16 Aboriginal languages and is passionate about teaching language ethically and respectfully.

“I’ve grown up in culture and never felt ashamed of who I am,” Olivia said. “Singing in language is something so rare, especially nowadays. The fact that I’m doing our Elders proud makes me proud. Even if people don’t understand the language, they feel it.

“My grandfather’s first language was Wiradjuri and growing up he was forbidden to speak it. Now I learn it from my Aunty, and get to share and teach his language through connection and song.”