First Nations students appointed to inaugural CEQL Student Council

Two Brisbane Catholic Education Aboriginal students will share their voice and experiences at a state-level after being selected to join the inaugural Catholic Education Queensland Limited (CEQL) First Nations Student Council. 

Mt Maria College, Mitchelton, Year 11 student Jared Hansen and Assisi Catholic College, Upper Coomera, Year 12 student Charli Black will represent their schools on the Council, which has been established to strengthen First Nations student voices and ensure perspectives inform advocacy, policy development and decision-making across Catholic education in Queensland. 

Jared said he was excited and honoured to have been selected.  

“I have always felt a sense of responsibility to representing First Nations students to the best of my ability,” Jared said.  

It provides me an opportunity to be the voice of First Nations students not only within our College but further and contribute to strategies that improve cultural safety and knowledge within the Catholic education system for both students and staff.”  

As Council members, students will share their lived experiences, discuss key issues impacting First Nations learners, and help ensure that First Nations perspectives are embedded in educational priorities and initiatives. 

I understand the impact of intergenerational trauma on educational outcomes and how historically, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples were not given the same academic opportunity as other Australians,” Jared said.  

Even though there have been improvements over the years, I believe that there are still ways to improve cultural safety within the education system.” 

Charli sees her time on the Council as an opportunity to build respect, share knowledge and strengthen a community where every voice is heard.  

I want to bring a perspective that values every voice, no matter the age. I want to make sure younger voices are heard just as much as the older ones, because they carry curiosity, honesty, and a different kind of wisdom that deserves to be valued,” Charli said.  

For me, this is about creating a legacy that encourages First Nations students to stand proud, live without regret, and share the depth and beauty of one of the oldest cultures in the world, while also educating others to respect and value it as if it were their own.” 

There are so many powerful aspects of First Nations culture that deserve to be celebrated and understood, and student voice plays a key role in making that happen.” 

Leadership from both schools highlighted the integrity and commitment that the students already demonstrate within their school communities. 

Jared has become a strong role model for the younger students in our First Nations ‘Mob’ group,” said Mt Maria College Mitchelton, Assistant Principal Faith & Mission, Caroline Sarra.  

He’s also passionate about making sure everyone in our community is treated with respect and dignity, and he speaks up with courage to help foster a joyful and proud respect for culture.” 

Assisi Catholic College Upper Coomera, Principal John Frare said the appointment reflected Charli’s quiet confidence, integrity and servant leadership.  

“She consistently puts others first and is a strong advocate for First Nations students and our wider school community, making her well placed to contribute thoughtfully to this Council,” he said.  

CEQL Chief Operating Officer Maree Lacy congratulated the students on their appointment.  

“We look forward to learning from the students and working with them to support strong educational, cultural and wellbeing outcomes for First Nations students,” Maree said.  

For more information about Mt Maria College, Mitchelton or to enrol click here.

For more information about Assisi Catholic College, Upper Coomera or to enrol click here.

Image caption: (From left to right) Assisi Catholic College Principal John Frare, Member for Fadden Mr Cameron Caldwell, Year 12 student Charli Black, and BCE Acting Executive Director Ross Tarlinton. ©Brisbane Catholic Education (2026).

Image caption: Mt Maria College Mitchelton, Year 11 student Jared Hansen ©Brisbane Catholic Education (2026).