Former St Joseph’s College Bond Law student, Ricky Macourt, launched his short children’s novel Jali Boy at Bond University on Tuesday, 29 March.
The book is a coming-of-age tale of an Aboriginal boy and Ricky likens the narrative to some of his own experiences. The book’s main character, Jali, is an indigenous boy sent away to a city boarding school where he faces the pressures of adolescence.
The novel, part of the educational Yarning Strong series written by indigenous people, explores issues such as separation from family, struggle and sacrifice, and achievement through hard work.
After being awarded a scholarship to study a Bachelor of Laws degree at Bond in 2008, Ricky has demonstrated his leadership skills as coordinator of the Indigenous Youth Leadership program, as an ambassador for the St Joseph’s Indigenous Fund and a teacher’s aide at Varsity College working with disabled children. Ricky is also President of the Bond Indigenous Awareness Society (BIAS).
Aged 20 and fast approaching graduation, Ricky is intent on a career in politics and the law.