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Dana Patterson has long held a deep curiosity about the social world and strong ties to her local community, which inspired her passion for social justice from a young age.
She recently graduated from Western Sydney University with a Bachelor of Social Science, a degree she pursued to expand her knowledge and create meaningful change.
Crossing the stage was a proud moment for Dana, marking the culmination of years of dedication and hard work.
“I decided to pursue a degree in Social Science because I wanted to continue making a difference, and to grow my understanding about why things are the way they are and how they can be changed for the better,” said Dana.
Her favourite HSC subjects – Aboriginal Studies, Ancient and Modern History, and Society and Culture – revealed early on the areas that would shape her path. After finishing high school, Dana worked in roles closely connected to Social Science, including community casework, cultural education, and contributing to her local Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (AECG).
“I also wanted to give voice to the fierce sense of empathy, justice, and obligation that I had been grappling with since I was a child. From the beginning to the end of my degree, what evolved most was my ability to critically reflect, and to understand Social Science as a science.”
As a proud recipient of a GO Foundation Scholarship, the 27-year-old credits this support as a key factor in helping her succeed and achieve her goals. The GO Foundation, founded by Sydney Swans legends, Adam Goodes (Adnyamathanha and Narungga man) and Michael O’Loughlin (Kaurna, Ngarrindjeri and Narungga man), empowers young Indigenous Australians through education, with a focus on culture and aspiration to help them reach their full potential.
Charlene Davison, GO Foundation CEO, says:
“We are extremely proud to have been able to support Dana through her university studies. Although we met Dana after she had already begun her journey at Western, she was a natural and perfect fit for the GO Program.
Dana is a warm, kind-hearted young woman who generously shares her knowledge and culture across a range of platforms. She is always willing to support others and actively promotes the GO Program to help encourage other First Nations students to pursue the same opportunities. Her dedication to giving back—to both GO and the broader community—is inspiring, and it has been a privilege to walk alongside her on her journey.
Speaking of the support she received from the GO Foundation, Dana commented:
“We have to be honest about the cost-of-living crisis and the fears that many young people hold regarding the financial impact when considering or starting their higher education journey.”
“For me, the GO Foundation Scholarship helped to alleviate some of that concern, and it was easier to focus on the value of my studies as opposed to their cost. Equally important for me are the social and cultural opportunities provided through the GO Foundation. The GO scholars, alumni, and staff refer to our network as the GO Family and nothing could be truer. Their support and encouragement have helped to shape my journey into what it has been.”
“The opportunities to connect to culture whilst being away from home have meant the world to me. I will always be grateful for GO and my donors, and I am sure that I will spend the rest of my life paying forward their kindness and generosity.”
"Equally important for me are the social and cultural opportunities provided through the GO Foundation. The GO scholars, alumni, and staff refer to our network as the GO Family and nothing could be truer. Their support and encouragement have helped to shape my journey into what it has been.”
“I know that I will forever be seeking to empower myself and others, to incite necessary change, and to leave a positive legacy behind.
Charlene Davison, GO Foundation CEO, says:
“At GO Foundation, we provide university scholarships to help make the dream of higher education a reality for First Nations students—especially those who have progressed through our scholarship program during high school.
For many of our scholars, university represents a significant milestone—they are often the first in their family not only to complete high school, but to attend university. This comes with immense pride, but also pressure. Many of our students balance multiple jobs just to support themselves, all while managing study loads and fulfilling cultural responsibilities to their families—something we see especially among our young women.
Our scholarships are designed not just to provide financial support, but to offer a wraparound network of personal and professional mentors. These relationships help guide students through their university journey and open pathways to meaningful career opportunities.
If a GO scholarship allows a student to step away from one of their jobs and redirect that time and energy into their studies, we are proud and honoured to be able to offer that kind of support. It’s about creating the space for success—not just at university, but far beyond it."
Dana now works as a Senior Policy Officer in the Closing the Gap space, a role that allows her to apply the knowledge and skills she gained during her studies.
“I cannot underscore how much my time at Western prepared me for this role - from strengthening my research and writing skills to expanding the way that I think about and approach complex matters that arise through my work on a daily basis.”
Looking ahead, Dana is considering postgraduate study to further her academic and professional journey.
“Ultimately, I hope to continue using my knowledge and skills to contribute to the closing of gaps for our people. In whatever role and capacity I may have, I know that I will forever be seeking to empower myself and others, to incite necessary change, and to leave a positive legacy behind.”
Dana believes creating and seizing opportunities is key to progress toward better futures. Her advice:
“If you cannot create opportunities for others, take opportunities until you can. Always remember that empathy is not a weakness – it is a strength when we learn how to harness it. Be bold in everything you do, and if you can, pay forward any kindness that you receive on your journey.”
Photo credit: Kyisoe Han
Published July 2022
