IAHA Member receives Puggy Hunter Memorial Scholarship

Dameyon a student of Social Work and Aboriginal Cultures begins his 5th and final year in 2013. Dameyon is a full member of IAHA and has received the 2013 Puggy Hunter Memorial Scholarship to assist him complete his studies. Originally from Darwin and beginning his career in hospitality, Dameyon enrolled in his double degree aged 31.

He was part of the first intake of Indigenous men for the Department of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs Indigenous national leadership program in 2009. Dameyon has travelled to Canada to learn more about Canadian Aboriginal interpretations of Social Work and hopes to present at the 2nd International Indigenous Social Work Conference in Manitoba in 2013.

He recently presented on his academic experience and how working in remote Australia has provided the cultural safety and context to guide his Social Work Practice.

Dameyon is empowered by the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous People’s and is encouraged by the advocacy role the current Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner to further work in the Human Rights area. Dameyon hopes to one day lecture on Indigenous Social Work practices and still reside in the remoteness of the Kimberely.