Having a safe space to explore their gender identity and speak to people with diverse life experiences made them realise the importance of representation – and when face-to-face learning returned, they decided to be that representation for their own school community.  

Now, after being recognised with a Brighter Futures Scholarship for their commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, Elwyn is pursuing a degree in Environmental and Conservation Sciences at Murdoch University. 

At Murdoch, Elwyn says they have connected with like-minded lecturers and peers who have similar passions and want to make changes they can see.  

When Elwyn returned to school after the pandemic, they formed a group with their school alliance where the LGBTIQA+ community could find a safe space, connect and access resources. 

“We made the group, and we had so many people show up that we had to do it in our school’s lecture theatre,” Elwyn said.  

I wanted to create those spaces where kids could come and see there were other people like them close to home. 

Elwyn said through organising events at school, like Wear It Purple Day, students who may not have otherwise engaged with the LGBTIQA+ community were able to come along, learn more and form friendships. 

Upon arriving at Murdoch, Elwyn said they immediately felt that they were in a space where they could truly be themselves while pursuing their passions. 

“It’s a lot more diverse at uni, there are a lot more people like me I can connect with – especially coming from a regional school with quite small numbers – there are a lot more people.”  

With a diverse and accepting cohort around them, Elwyn is focused on gaining knowledge that will help them save WA’s unique biodiversity.  

“My family has always been very active, we’ve travelled a lot, we love camping and hiking. I just love the Australian environment – we have such diverse plant and animal life that you don’t see anywhere else,” they said. 

“It’s so sad to see there’s not that care and respect for the environment with some people, I want to make change in the space and develop people’s emotions around it.” 

In addition to learning in the academic environment, Elwyn says moving from a remote area to the city opens doors to personal growth.  

“I’m really excited about my degree – but I’m also excited about being myself. I’m living out of home for the first time, developing who I am as a person and learning so much about how I move through the world,” Elwyn said. 

“I’ve found that support group here, so I can really start to come into the world and make changes.”