Velma Gara
Indigenous Student Support Officer – The Cathedral School of St Anne & St James
Suburb: Railway Estate
AKA: Vee
I’m renowned for: Playing basketball and working in the media; volunteering and laughing loud!
Only a local would know: Netball courts, an AFL field and clubhouse and the Garbutt Magpies disco along the area of Martinez Avenue.
My most memorable holiday was: Working holiday on Thursday Island and taking daughter to the Torres Strait to see what it was like to live in a remote community.
Right now I wish I was: Back on Thursday Island!.
My favourite day is: Friday – when I played competitive basketball it was either a game or going on a road trip. Now it’s because of the NAIDOC Family Fun Day and staff morning tea at work!
The biggest influence in my life was/is: My loving parents – hard workers and brave to move from the Torres Strait in the early 60’s. I think of them and the sacrifices they made and this gives me inspiration and determination to face whatever hurdles blocking my way to achieve my goals.
The funniest thing that ever happened to me was: When playing at a basketball carnival in Mackay I thought it was cool to have my hair braided and have beads (like Bo Derek) but during the games the beads would come out and we’d spend time looking for them!
Someone famous I met was: Patty Mills and the Larry O’Brien trophy after the San Antonio Spurs won the NBA championships in 2014.
My motto is: A dream doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work.
MY FAVOURITE
SONG Fantastic Voyage by Lakeside
SHOP Castletown Townsville
EAT Scotch Finger biscuits
DRINK Champagne