For many Old Boys, the opportunities gained at Churchie become the foundation for journeys that might once have seemed beyond reach. For Connor McGovern-Cubby (2021), that journey has taken him from the Darling Downs to a promising career in law, while never losing sight of where he came from.

Raised in Dalby, Connor grew up between two worlds. His mother is a Kamilaroi woman from Mungindi in northern New South Wales, while his father and paternal family are long-time Dalby locals. Family, community and a love of sport shaped his early years, but so too did seeing the impact that the justice system could have on First Nations families and communities.

Those experiences sparked a desire to understand the law and, ultimately, to help make a difference.

Connor's path changed when he received a Rosemary Bishop Indigenous Education Scholarship through the Yalari Foundation, allowing him to attend Churchie as a boarder. The move from regional Queensland to Brisbane brought challenges and sacrifices but also opened new possibilities.

Following his graduation from Churchie, Connor enrolled at Bond University to study law. Balancing long hours of work alongside his studies, he seized every opportunity available to him, from the Queensland Bar Association's Indigenous Law Students Program to clerkships and mentoring opportunities across the legal profession. With growing confidence came academic success, leadership opportunities and a passion for advocacy.

Earlier this year, Connor graduated with a Bachelor of Laws, becoming the first university graduate in his family. He now works as a paralegal at a criminal defence firm and will begin an associateship with the Land Court next year.

Despite his achievements, Connor remains deeply grateful to those who supported him along the way. He has returned to Churchie to speak with Indigenous students, sharing his story and encouraging others to embrace opportunities with confidence.

His advice is one that will resonate with Old Boys everywhere:

"Never doubt yourself because of where you come from. It's never a limit on your ability."

The Churchie Old Boys' Association congratulates Connor on this significant milestone and looks forward to following the next chapter of his journey.