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Chad Buckman is a Gomeroi man from Cobar, a rural mining town in NSW. Now in his third year of Mechanical Engineering, Chad has led the UNSW team at two consecutive Indigenous Nationals Games, a position that speaks to both his character and commitment. Through sport, study, and community, Chad is carving out a path that blends culture, leadership, and engineering.

Chad was named Most Valuable Player for Netball at this year’s Indigenous Nationals.

What inspired you to pursue engineering, and what led you to choose mechanical engineering in particular?

My dad was a big problem solver and always made creative challenges for us kids. Some of my earliest memories include “scrap yard challenges,” where he’d set a task and we’d try to build something out of LEGO to win, the prize might be a soda with dinner or ice cream for dessert. Challenges ranged from building the tallest tower with the fewest bricks to designing the coolest-looking car. I was only about 4 or 5, but the problem-solving and creative construction never stopped. My family was always supportive, and I was constantly learning and developing. As a kid, I thought I wanted to be an inventor and I guess I’ve become exactly that, without realising it’s actually called engineering.

Growing up, I raced just about anything I could. Living in Townsville at the time, I got to live out one of my dad’s childhood dreams, to race BMX. Being in that world of racing, sport, and mechanical systems gave me a real sense of comfort and enjoyment. That later led to my interest in Formula 1. I was drawn to the design process, manufacturing, the racing environment, and the whole atmosphere. I thought, that’s exactly what I want to do.

But there was also the small-town mining side of me. As much Formula 1 as I’ve watched, I’ve probably watched more Gold Rush. Growing up in a mining town, you naturally pick up a lot about the industry, and mixed with shows like Gold Rush, it became something I was familiar with. I’ve worked in mines in different roles, from two weeks of Year 11 work experience to IT support, to working as a Student Intern Mechanical Engineer. Mining engineering was a serious consideration.

In the end, I chose mechanical engineering because it offered a broader career path. I knew if I wasn’t 100% set on mining, mechanical engineering would still let me work in that space, but also open doors to so many other opportunities, like becoming a Formula 1 engineer, and even roles I didn’t know existed. Looking back, I’m really glad I made that choice.

How has being part of the Nura Gili community and its programs shaped your journey through university?

I’ve spent most of my life in a town of fewer than 5,000 people, so moving to Sydney was one of the most challenging and isolating experiences of my life. Starting uni, making new friends, and taking on difficult courses was already a lot, and although moving out of home wasn’t too hard for me thanks to boarding school, the overall transition creates a stressful environment. If it weren’t for the support of Nura Gili, things could have looked very different. The biggest highlight of my first year was Indigenous Nationals. It was through that competition that I met some of my closest friends and really found a sense of belonging. It helped pull me through that first year, and it’s something I’ve looked forward to ever since.

This year marked your second time captaining the UNSW Indigenous Nationals team -  what did that leadership role mean to you?

It’s an honour I don’t take lightly. I take a lot of pride in representing UNSW and leading a team that celebrates culture, community, and competition. More than anything, I just try to be the best role model I can for the team, for younger students coming through, and for the university. It’s about creating a strong, supportive environment where everyone feels like they belong, can express themselves, and give their best on and off the field. 

How do you see sport bringing Mob together and strengthening community, both on and off the field?

I believe sport is the strongest way to bring Mob together. It builds connection through shared experiences whether it’s winning, losing, scoring, or making mistakes, we’re all doing it together. That sense of unity creates lasting friendships and a deep sense of belonging. Off the field, those bonds carry over into our everyday lives. We support each other, look out for one another, and stay connected to culture and community. Sport to me is a space to be proud, strong, and together. When competing with indigenous people from all over Australia it restores and encourages the education of indigenous culture. I always walk away from indigenous nationals having learnt something new, having made new friends and always anticipating returning next year. 

Looking back, what are you most proud of — either in your studies, your leadership, or your broader university journey so far?

I think what I’m most proud of is that I always try to give things a go. So many times, in my life, doing something that’s a bit inconvenient, difficult, or outside my comfort zone has led me somewhere I never imagined. A great example is playing Indigenous Nationals in my first year, it was actually the first time I’d ever played netball. With guidance of coaches Keely- Che and Mitch, I came back the next year for UniSport Nationals and later earned a spot in the NSW Men’s Reserves, representing NSW at the 2025 Australian Men’s Netball Nationals. Looking back, I’m grateful for every chance I’ve been given. I hope that seeing someone from Cobar studying at UNSW shows others in similar situations what’s possible, you might just be a few opportunities away.