Dylan J Stone
Thomson Fleming, a proud Barkindji and Malayangapa man, is certainly no stranger to breaking down barriers and forging new paths for himself and his peers.
In just the last fortnight, Thomson became the first person in his family to not only attend university, but to graduate with a Bachelor of Commerce (Finance, Economics and Accounting) from the Australian National University.
He graduated with a Distinction average, while also working at Ernst & Young as a Financial Consultant.
Thomson’s story began in Broken Hill, where he attended Broken Hill High School and served as the school’s Vice-Captain, Indigenous Captain, and House Captain, all while being part of the Clontarf Foundation.
“I took on those leadership roles, as I thought at the time that I was equipped with the necessary skills to give back to Broken Hill High as a role model for my peers in terms of attendance, cooperation, respect, sport and academia,” Thomson said.
“I also felt the need to give back to a school and community that have given me so much opportunity and support and has shaped me into the individual I am today.”
In those early years, Thomson says his biggest achievement in those roles was the pride and humility that came with it, “and the affirmation of respect of my peers and teachers electing me to be their leader was humbling”.
His willingness to help others was a direct result of some difficult personal circumstances. He grew up in a single mother household with five siblings.
“I experienced financial hardship, housing issues and domestic violence throughout my childhood,” he says.
“I wanted to use these experiences to help encourage those from similar backgrounds …[to pursue] an education pathway and to break the intergenerational effects of low SES outcomes.”
“My mother has been a great role model, she has really nurtured me.”
“I am really lucky that my mother has always supported me emotionally in all aspects of my life and has been a great role model in terms of discipline and work ethic, she has really nurtured me throughout all my decisions of my life and given me the right amount of independence to trust my own decisions.”
“I miss her and my family greatly when I am away from home at University, and I try to ring her almost every day.”
Sports and lifelong friends
Thomson is well known in the local sporting scene and well respected among his teammates.
He played for South Football Club for many years and took part in multiple premierships.
“I loved every moment playing with my teammates but more importantly the connection and lifelong friends and memories that I associate with the South Football Club,” Thomson says.
After his HSC, he made the significant decision to move to Canberra to complete his tertiary studies.
“Relocating away from Broken Hill was extremely difficult, I really struggled the first few months, and was fearful of the future. However, I tried to stay optimistic as I knew that I was going to encounter challenges, but the valuable experiences, and ultimately the risk, paid off.’
Thomson’s move to university allowed him to look through, “a new lens on life. I have been lucky enough to travel overseas, and have formed great long-lasting friendships with many driven and inspiring people, all whilst receiving an invaluable education”.
Thomson’s employment with Ernst & Young allowed him to, “apply the theoretical knowledge of real word experiences I had learnt in my degree, so I applied for the vacationer program at Ernst & Young in my penultimate year of university and from there they offered me a part-time role and a graduate offer”.
Helping the community
With his Bachelor degree under his belt, Thomson continues working at Ernst & Young.
“I’d like to be working with the financial viability of distressed aged care facilities, and most importantly, assisting with the culturally appropriate delivery of legal and financial advice to Aboriginal organisations and people.
“I am incredibly grateful that I can utilise my degree and key life experiences to help close the gap in Indigenous SES outcomes.’
He plans to continue with his studies by undertaking a Juris Doctor (Postgraduate Law Degree) at the Australian National University.
“I strongly believe that representation and interpretation of complex legal and financial structures, and understanding of law for our mob, is vital to help reduce our incarceration rates, deaths in custody and to promote self-determination in Indigenous entrepreneurship and communities.”
When asked what advice he would give to others who are aiming to pursue tertiary education, he recommends, “to choose a career based on impact and passion as it is far more valuable than money, because by choosing passion and impact, monetary value will inevitably follow.”
Thomson is the personification of dedication and hard work. The ability to navigate personal challenges while striving to help the community is one of his many great strengths. His recent university graduation, and his enrolment into a Juris Doctor program, just goes to show what can be achieved with the right attitude.
PICTURE: Thomson Fleming recently graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce (Finance, Economics and Accounting) from the Australian National University.
