I live an exciting life, and that wouldn’t be possible without the support of my parents. They encourage me to take every possible opportunity. I’ve been able to spread my wings thanks to their unconditional support.
By Nicci Thatcher
My Name is Nicci Thatcher; I’m 25 years old and I’m studying Marine Biology at Griffith University in Queensland.
My family and I have lived in many different environments across Australia, from the wonderous deserts in Western Australia to the tropical paradise of Far North Queensland.
Mum and Dad continue to foster in me a deep love of the environment. Ensuring I know how important it is to appreciate the unique landscapes and creatures we are lucky enough to experience here in Australia. They encourage me to be inquisitive about the world and to always ask questions.
My earliest memories are of being outside, finding something interesting; an insect or a flower, and excitedly running to show my dad. Dad always shared in my excitement and helped me look around for more. My dad passed on a wealth of knowledge; showing me which plants were edible in our rainforest yard, sharing a love of gemstones and a curiosity for the natural world.
Before the pandemic, I completed a Diploma of Musical Theatre and worked in Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines doing live shows as licensed characters.
Due to COVID, I had to return home. I took the opportunity to immerse myself in my studies. I’ve recently returned from a research project on Heron Island for an Environmental Capstone Course. We are studying the biodiversity of benthic communities associated with soft corals. Through this project, I have found a deep love for soft corals. Soft corals are beautiful organisms. If I was a mermaid, I would sleep in a bed of soft corals every night. I hope to direct my future studies towards understanding soft corals on a deeper level. I believe the key to fighting climate change is understanding how each organism contributes to the ecosystem they live in.
I live an exciting life, and that wouldn’t be possible without the support of my parents. They encourage me to take every possible opportunity. I’ve been able to spread my wings thanks to their unconditional support.
I’ve had no bigger supporters than my parents, especially my dad Larry. He’s a Vietnam Veteran and I’m truly honoured to call him my dad. Not only did my dad make a great sacrifice in service of Australia, but he and my mum also continue to sacrifice for me every day, and I’m eternally grateful.
I’m honoured the Australian Government acknowledges my father’s service by awarding me the Long Tan Bursary. It makes my life much more comfortable. With the Long Tan Bursary, I’ve been able to purchase expensive items for my coursework, like diving and snorkel gear and textbooks. Having that extra money every month has reduced my workload and removed the mental burden of worrying about finances.
I graduate in December 2022 and plan to move to Cairns, in beautiful Far North Queensland, where I was raised, to begin post-graduate studies at James Cook University.
Thank you to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, and thank you to AVCAT, who make such a huge difference in so many people’s lives. Thank you, Mum and Dad, you make my life an exciting one. You’ve given me the resources necessary to live my life the way that I want to. You both mean the world to me.
Nicci was awarded the Long Tan Bursary in 2022.