Growing up in the mining town of Cobar, Chad Buckman never imagined he’d one day captain a university sports team or study mechanical engineering in Sydney.

But the young Gomeroi man is doing both, and proving to next generation in small towns that big dreams don’t stop at the town limits.

Now in his third year at UNSW, Chad has led his university’s team at the Indigenous Nationals Games for two years running.

This year, he was named Most Valuable Player for netball, a sport he only picked up at university.

He’s since gone on to represent NSW at the Australian Men’s Netball Nationals.

Chad credits his hometown for shaping the person he’s become.

“I have only fond memories of Cobar. It’s a community that supported me so much growing up,” he said.

“Small towns definitely come with their challenges, but they also have perks you'd struggle to find anywhere else. Everyone knows everyone, and that closeness taught me the value of relationships, reputation, and embracing community.”

Chad Buckman. IMAGE SUPPLIED.

Chad’s passion for engineering was sparked in his childhood. He remembers his dad setting “scrap yard challenges” for him and his siblings, using LEGO to build towers, cars, or inventions with a prize of ice cream or soft drink on the line.

That curiosity stuck.

As a teenager, Chad moved to Townsville and discovered his love for speed, living out one of his dad’s childhood dreams by racing BMX.

Immersed in the world of bikes, racing and mechanical systems, he found a natural sense of excitement and interest.

That hands-on experience, combined with work placements in the mining industry, later inspired him to pursue mechanical engineering for its versatility, opening doors to everything from mining to Formula 1.

His journey reflects both the strengths and challenges of small-town life. Limited access to resources, development programs, and higher education opportunities meant Chad often had to push harder to be noticed.

But he believes that drive and determination make all the difference. “Where there’s a will, there’s a way — that’s something Dad always said.”

For many young people in regional NSW, leaving home for study or work can feel daunting. Chad admits the move to Sydney was one of the toughest challenges of his life, but support from UNSW’s Nura Gili Indigenous Programs and friendships formed through sport helped him find his feet.

His Gomeroi culture remains central to who he is. “It reminds me of the values I try to live by: respect, resilience, and connection. It keeps me grounded and reminds me I’m part of something much bigger.”

Chad on court at the Indigenous National Games with UNSW. IMAGE SUPPLIED.

To young people in regional towns, Chad’s advice is simple, "take the leap."

“Never believe you can’t do it," he said.

"It’s easy to stay in the comfort of your community, and that’s not a bad thing, but if your dreams lie outside your town, don’t let comfort stop you from trying something new.

"It might turn out better than you ever imagined.”

For Cobar, his achievements are a reminder of the talent and potential in small towns.

Proof that determination, opportunity and community support can take local kids far beyond what they once imagined.

Looking ahead, Chad is embracing every opportunity.

He’s competing at UniGames on the Gold Coast next month and is already eyeing his final Indigenous Nationals next year.

He hopes to build on his engineering career through a part-time project management cadetship at JLL, preparing to carry those skills into the future