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The co-director of Bricks & Mortar Media in Brisbane recalls the days of being a “broke uni student, working 25 hours a week to merely survive”, before graduating with a Bachelor of Journalism degree at QUT in 2002.

“I have always been a big believer in altruism and giving back,” Nicola says.

“Today I am in the fortunate position to (be able to) help support the next generation of female graduates achieve their dreams and forge their own career successes.”

“One of the most difficult things about studying at university is being able to financially survive throughout your studies.

“Successfully finishing a degree can be difficult enough without worrying about where your next meal is coming from.”

Born in Christchurch, Nicola aspired to be a writer from an early age, when she was scribbling down stories to read out to classmates at primary school. Her QUT studies (which also included a Master of Creative Industries, Creating Writing) gave her the platform to realise her dream of being a journalist.

While studying at QUT, she says she learnt her writing craft from some of the industry's “best” – and being editor of QUT News during her undergraduate study provided further opportunities to launch a successful career that is both “challenging and ever evolving”.

A former editor of Australian Property Investor, Nicola is chair of the Property Investment Professionals of Australia, on the management committee of the Queensland Writers Centre, and has written four property investment books.

Winner of the personal finance and investing category at the 2022 Australian Business Book of the Year awards, she has a passion for speaking.

Deeply aware of the significant role that a university degree plays, Nicola donates to the QUT Learning Potential Fund and has also included the program in her Will. The fund provides financial assistance to students who would otherwise be unable to attend university.

Nicola appeals to anyone who appreciates the key role that QUT has had in their life and career to “pay it forward” by leaving a bequest.

“I would like to think that my gift will help female students of any discipline be able to complete their studies with a little less financial stress,” she says.

Through Gifts in Wills, generous supporters continue to transform the lives of future students and make critical, transformative research possible.

For more information about remembering QUT in your Will contact Heath Mackay, Development Manager (Gifts in Wills), on +61 7 3138 7525 or email: heath.mackay@qut.edu.au