On my first morning in Queensland I received a warm welcome at a large gathering of Mackay’s Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and South Sea Islander communities. With traditional dancing, singing and music as well as lots of great ideas for change, I thoroughly enjoyed meeting members of these proud communities.

Students from three local high schools had come to share their experiences and concerns. Some students recounted feeling discriminated against because of their race. This is happening in very direct ways like being called offensive names in the playground, and in less direct ways like being watched or followed closely by security guards in shopping centres or being directed, unprompted, to cheaper items by sales assistants. It is disappointing to hear of such incidents given the huge cost of prejudice, both to affected individuals and our society as a whole.

Many students told me about their dreams for life after high school which included further study and employment. However, some felt that because they were Indigenous, expectations for them were much lower than for non-Indigenous students. As I told them, often the best come-back to people who put you down is to believe in yourself and achieve your dreams.

One idea put forward to support these young people fulfil their potential was to connect Indigenous students with mentors - professional men and women (Indigenous and non Indigenous) from the local community. I strongly support this idea. I have always found mentoring an excellent way of providing aspiring young people the confidence, motivation, guidance and support they need to pursue their goals.

I was very impressed with the young people I met. Articulate, intelligent and engaged with their communities, they shared well thought out views and suggested simple ways to improve the lives of the people around them. Hearing from them first-hand was invaluable to me and the elders present. I find this process of coming together and sharing our stories one of the best ways to build stronger understanding and unity across communities.

Liz