From China to Borneo, to the outback communities of Arnhem Land and Hong Kong, Anthony Miller has many miles under his belt and a fascinating story to tell.
Anthony is one of the first two graduates to complete the relaunched UNE Bachelor of Community Services degree. His “love affair with community, culture, and communications” began in 2009 when he ended up in the remote south of China with everything he owned in his backpack. There, he helped to build “a village from bamboo, palm rope and hemp, surrounded by mountains and rice paddies”.
On returning to Australia in 2012, Anthony started his tertiary education with a Diploma of Community Services with ACAP before moving to Darwin to work with an NGO. He then took a contract with the Northern Territory Government, interacting with high-risk Aboriginal youth.
Later, he worked with children and young people in Hong Kong, designing and implementing experiential education and community development programs in remote villages. His passion and experience working closely with diverse cultures and indigenous communities inspired him to pursue additional qualifications.
When his contract ended in 2018, he took the opportunity to undertake further study. From Hong Kong, Anthony enrolled online in the UNE degree, with majors in children and young people. Twice a year, he flew from Hong Kong to Armidale to attend the intensive schools. He says this opportunity to “meet with the wonderful tutors, and other students that I had only chatted with online” was the highlight of his time studying.
But halfway through, as the study became more challenging, Anthony says he considered quitting. “The study was tough, and I found the subject material of some of the units hard going. Some of the material can trigger feelings in some that have a lived experience of trauma, as it did in me.” Despite this, he says the benefits and “feelings of accomplishment and pride in my own abilities, especially when I thought I was too old and not smart enough” far outweighed the struggle.
The support he received from his partner and the staff at UNE was also crucial. “I contacted Dr Stuart Robertson and thankfully he really supported and guided me through that tough period.”
Anthony’s love of life, people, places, and the feeling of immersing himself in the history, culture, and language of ancient communities also helped to motivate and drive him.
Being accepted by a culture that is 60,000 years old is a source of great pride. To be called ‘Uncle’ is a rare pleasure for a white fella.
“I lived with people that swept the dirt floor of their hut every day and fed you their last bowl of rice with a smile and pride. I love to help people. I love to feel connected to people. Being accepted by a culture that is 60,000 years old is a source of great pride. To be called ‘Uncle’ is a rare pleasure for a white fella.”
At 61, Anthony’s advice to new students, young and old, is “do not give up, never quit. If you feel that you are fading, talk to a tutor, one of your teachers, a classmate, your partner, but never give up. You are smart enough and you can complete this course of study.”
These days, Anthony volunteers with the Salvation Army in Perth, WA, and is working on his newly created non-for-profit called Working As One, which aims to provide workshops for homeless people, veterans, and people with disabilities.
Although he has not yet celebrated his graduation, he plans to once he completes his Master of International Community Development, of which he is in the final trimester.
