BRISBANE gala dinner
THURSDAY 5 SEPTEMBER 2024
BRISBANE CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTRE
Acknowledgement
Yalari acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first inhabitants of this land.
We recognise their culture, history, diversity and deep connection to land, waters and territorial seas of Australia.
We pay our respects to the Elders, past and present, and acknowledge that the Yalari office is on Kombumerri country within the lands of the Yugambeh language group.
We acknowledge the Jagera and the Turrbal people as the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we meet tonight.
We also acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we work Australia-wide and recognise their culture, heritage and beliefs.
Founding Director’s Message
Hello to our friends, supporters, students and alumni in Queensland. For 19 years we have worked arm in arm with the wider QLD community and with our Indigenous families to support their children on a journey of educational achievement, as well as having their young eyes opened to the endless possibilities that lay ahead.
Our alumni are studying at tertiary levels (some have completed their degrees and qualifications), raising families, working in their communities in health, education and with government, while others are pursuing sporting careers, some are working in schools and tertiary institutions and state education, mining, the arts and music and much more.
From here, we share our vision going forward. Yalari will be one of Australia’s great enduring educational and leadership foundations empowering Indigenous people from regional and remote Australia.
Thank you for your attendance here tonight, your heart for doing good and your belief in a better Australia for all.
Waverley Stanley AM Founding Director, Yalari
Major Dinner Partner
Event Partners
Corporate Tables
Steve and Jane Wilson
Program
Opening performance
Tate Pyziakos and Isaiah Missen
Khyrin Walker-Martin, Jacqueline Gutchen
Acknowledgement of Country and Somai Pensio Douglas
Master of Ceremonies
Kiirra Bligh and Taleyah Hippi-Laurie
Founding Director Address Waverley Stanley AM
Student Speaker Nichola French
DINNER BREAK
Entertainment Budjerah
Davidson
Student Achievement Awards
Herbert Smith Freehills
Trent McMahon
Caitlin Philp Student Achievement Awards
Origin Energy
Student Achievement Awards
Sharon Jones and Aleta Nicholl
Parent Speaker Vanessa Drotini
DESSERT BREAK
Yalari Video
Alumni Speaker Jabreeni Fogarty
Live Auction Haesley Cush
Raffle Draw
Close of Silent Auction
Guest Speakers and Performers
Opening Performance
TATE PYZIAKOS & ISAIAH MISSEN
Tate Pyziakos hails from Moranbah (Tugalaka mob). He is in Year 10 at The Southport School.
Isaiah Missen is from Goondiwindi (Kamilaroi mob). He is in Year 8 at Anglican Church Grammar School.
They will open the evening with an improvised freestyle with the Yidaki, or more commonly known as the Didgeridoo.
Master of Ceremonies
TALEYAH HIPPI-LAURIE & KIIRRA BLIGH
Taleyah Hippi-Laurie is a proud Yaegl, Wahlabul and Kamilaroi woman from Yamba, NSW. Her Yalari journey started in 2014 at Kambala, where she graduated from in 2019. In 2023, she returned to Kambala as a boarding staff member, to be a support for the younger Yalari students.
Taleyah is currently working at Yalari as the Pathways Officer, providing support to Yalari’s senior students and alumni. Taleyah has found her passion for teaching and working with Indigenous youth and would like to continue to explore this pathway into the future, even saying that she will be Yalari’s future Managing Director.
Kiirra Bligh is a proud Gubbi Gubbi man from Gympie, Queensland. In 2015, he received a Yalari scholarship to attend The Southport School. During his time at TSS he served as Vice House Captain in his final year before graduating in 2020.
Today, Kiirra has established himself in the real estate industry, where he holds the roles of Head of Sales and Head of Holiday Management at Black & White Property Group.
Student Speaker NICHOLA FRENCH
Nichola French is in Year 7 at The Glennie School. She is a proud Wakka Wakka woman who spent her early years in Cherbourg and now lives on Thursday Island. Along with other students from the Torres Strait Islands, she makes the long trip to school and back home at the beginning and end of each term.
Nichola works extremely hard academically, and has been awarded a silver academic award for her efforts in semester 1. She is part of the newly formed Indigenous committee at the school as part of Glennie’s commitment to introducing a Reconciliation Action Plan. She has also been nominated to speak at the Battle of Meewah commemoration to celebrate the great warrior Multuggerah within the broader Toowoomba community.
Entertainment BUDJERAH
Mentored by Matt Corby, Budjerah has blossomed into one of Australia’s most beloved new voices. Already an ARIA Award winner (Breakthrough Artist in 2021 and Best Soul/R&B Release in 2022), he’s been nominated for 13 in total, including five ARIA nominations in 2023. He’s also an APRA Award recipient (Most Performed R&B / Soul Work for “Higher”) and, in 2022, he was named GQ Australia’s Breakthrough Artist.
Budjerah is a captivating performer who has won over audiences at Splendour In The Grass, Spilt Milk, and For The Love. Last year, he opened for Ed Sheeran on his sold-out stadium tour after collaborating with Sheeran on 2022’s “2Step”. On top of that, he sold out his own headline show at the Sydney Opera House for VIVID Live.
Over the past three years, he’s amassed a staggering 50 million combined streams with “Therapy” achieving over 15 million on Spotify. With his biggest headline tour looming, it feels like an unstoppable time for Budjerah.
Parent Speaker VANESSA DROTINI
Vanessa Drotini was born in Papua New Guinea where her grandmother was taken from the Torres Strait. She has lived on Thursday Island since the age of 5 and currently works for the Australian Government and owns a boutique gallery designing Torres Strait pearls and tribal jewellery.
Proud mum of Courtney and Eivannah, Vanessa and the girls became part of the Yalari and Glennie family in 2020. Vanessa’s passion is education to achieve equality in the workplace and to build income earning possibilities for local families.
Alumni Speaker
JABREENI FOGARTY
Jabreeni Fogarty is a Mununjali man from Beaudesert, Queensland, but currently lives in Cunnamulla on Kunja Country. He received a Yalari scholarship to attend The Southport School (TSS) in 2011 where he graduated from in 2015. During his time at TSS, Jabreeni was involved in a range of sports, elected as a school warden, travelled to India as a Round Square delegate and was a proud recipient of the TSS Yalari Captain.
Continuing his journey, Jabreeni attended Bond University in 2016 where he began Legal studies, but later shifted to a Bachelor of Interactive Media and Design. Yet to complete his studies, Jabreeni is thriving in his new role as a Health Promotion Officer for Deadly Choices, a role he started in early 2022. After discovering a new-found passion for preventable health program facilitation and delivery to schools and communities, this is just the beginning into what seems a very promising future for him.
Raffle
TICKETS: 1 = $20 | 3 = $50 | 7 = $100
1st Prize SPICERS HIDDEN VALE RETREAT
Value $2,000
With its sprawling 12,000 acres of native bushland, elegant guest rooms and enticing modern restaurant, Hidden Vale is where sophisticated style affectionately embraces country charm. The restored cottages, farmhouse atmosphere and warm welcomes are all reminiscent of a bygone era, when there was always time to relax and unwind.
2nd Prize
INDIGENOUS ARTWORK
SWIRL (ORANGE)
Value $1,500
by Joanne Currie Nalingu
Acrylic on canvas
40cm (w) x 40cm (h)
Kindly donated by:
Kindly donated by:
This prize includes:
• $2,000 voucher to enjoy Spicers Hidden Vale the way you choose. Spend up to three nights in one room or invite friends to join you in a cottage for a weekend.
Terms and conditions apply.
3rd Prize
FAMILY PORTRAIT SESSION
Value $1,095
This prize includes:
• A personalised photography session at Verve’s Brisbane studio
• Your chosen image in 36x36cm Aria frame, delivered to your home
Kindly donated by:
5th Prize
TRAVEL EXPERIENCE
Value $500
This prize includes:
• $500 Discovery Parks Voucher
Kindly donated by:
4th Prize
ADRENALINE ADVENTURE
Value $598
This prize includes:
• Half day stunt park experience for two
Kindly donated by:
6th Prize
SHOPPING SPREE AT ROBINA
Value $250
This prize includes:
• $250 Robina Town Centre Voucher
Kindly donated by:
Silent Auction
1 REGISTER
Scan the QR code or text ‘yalaribris’ followed by your full name to 0458 678 678 or visit bit.ly/m/yalari
If you have a shared device, see note below
2 VIEW ITEMS
3 BID
4 IF YOU’RE A WINNER...
You’ll receive a text with a link. Simply click the link to pay securely
Shared device instructions
- Click the register tab
- Enter in your mobile number, password and name
- You will receive a text with a link and the verification code
- To continue on the device, enter your verification code in the registration page to continue on your phone
- Please do not log out
- Proceed to step 2
Silent Auction Items
Here is a selection of just a few silent auction items. There are many more to choose from.
Happy bidding!
Prada Galleria bag
Crystalbrook stay
Supercars Corporate Indigenous Artwork
Discovery Parks
Case of Diviners Gin
Escape Room Experience
Family Fun Package
Climb & Dine
Verve Portraits
Dinner at QT
Dinosaur Designs Experience
Live Auction
Lot 1
JAMES STREET GLAMOUR GETAWAY
Value: $4,900
This is the ultimate weekend getaway. In the middle of vibrant James Street precinct, sits the Calile Hotel, an architecturally designed tropical oasis that has become one of Brisbane’s most trendy and luxurious stays. Just a short walk away, are an array of shops, cafes and restaurants.
James Street has become Brisbane’s premier shopping precinct. Head down to Samantha Ogilvie Boutique which houses contemporary clothing, footwear, jewellery and accessory labels. Mitchell Ogilvie Menswear is opening its new James Street store in September.
Amid the colour and life of the James Street precinct, Harveys Bar + Bistro offers an all-day dining experience with unpretentious, seasonal cuisine served in inviting surrounds.
This prize includes:
• 2 nights in a Poolside Room at The Calile Hotel for two (valet parking, breakfast for two at Lobby Bar, and a bottle of sparkling, sweet treat and bouquet of flowers delivered to the room on arrival)
• $1,500 Samantha Ogilvie Boutique voucher
• $1,500 Mitchell Ogilvie Menswear voucher
• $200 Harveys Bar & Bistro voucher
Live Auction
Lot 2
INDIGENOUS ARTWORK
FAMILY GATHERING, 2017
BY FIONA OMEENYO
Value: $11,000
Dimensions: 185cm (w) x 135cm (h)
Material: Acrylic on canvas
About the painting:
The themes of Fiona Omeenyo’s artistic practice constantly revolve around bloodline, kinship, connectivity and country. She states, “My country Pathacy (Chester River near Coen): that’s where my Grandmother is from. My figures are about family and country. I paint to carry my culture on and so my children will know our stories”.
Family is fundamentally important to the artist with her large family of five children, several grandchildren and extended families spreading throughout North Queensland. Much of her work is informed by the joys but also the challenges of family responsibility, listening to and teaching one another.
About the artist:
Born in the remote community of Lockhart River on the Eastern Cape York Peninsula, Fiona was taught the traditional ways of the area including fishing and gathering food, activities she still enjoys passing down to her children and grandchildren. Fiona was also a founding member of the Lockhart River ‘Art Gang’ established in the 1990s.
Fiona is best known for her figurative arrangements symbolic of ancestral spirits and nurturing family stories. Fiona has exhibited nationally and internationally and travelled to the USA and UK with her exhibitions.
Kindly donated by:
Fiona Omeenyo
Live Auction
Lot 3
INDIGENOUS ARTWORK
SHIELD SHADOW, 2023
BY JOANNE CURRIE NALINGU
Value: $11,000
Dimensions: 150cm (w) x 100cm (h)
Material: Acrylic on canvas
About the painting:
Joanne Currie’s work is elegant and minimal – lines of detail follow river-currents that occasionally open up in eye-like shapes to invite the viewer to consider the infinite structures and patterns of meaning underneath the watery veil.
The importance of the river as a metaphor is constant in Joanne’s painting, stemming from her early life living in Yumba on the banks of the Maranoa River in Mitchell. But Joanne also realises that these are meditative interpretations. ... “that river is really a symbol for all rivers, for all people”. Her paintings depict water as an endless flow and universal life source.
There is an additional element in this painting, a mysterious shadowy shield form, floating above the work. The artist continues to reference the Maranoa shield – as both a direct reference to birthplace and to her survival and fortitude through the turbulence of life. This painting has an extraordinary provenance having been selected for the 2023 King & Wood Mallesons Art Prize.
About the artist:
In 2008, Joanne won The Wynne Prize at AGNSW and has been a finalist numerous times in the Telstra National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Awards. Joanne’s work is held in numerous private and public collections including the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art and the Museum of Brisbane.
Kindly donated by:
Joanne Currie Nalingu
Live Auction
Lot 4
7 NIGHT BOTSWANA SAFARI FOR 2 PEOPLE
JACK’S CAMP AND NORTH ISLAND OKAVANGO
Value: $43,000
For the last 30 years, Natural Selection’s founders have pioneered unique safari experiences across Southern Africa’s untouched places and spaces. From intimate encounters with the continent’s iconic wildlife to meaningful interactions with the people who live here, the safaris are characterful, captivating and adventurous.
After several decades of setting the standard for luxury Kalahari safari camps, Jack’s Camp underwent a full rebuild and reopened in 2021.
North Island Okavango safari camp itself is located on a private island, surrounded by a mosaic of other islands all netted together by shining lagoons and transient channels. Between the floodplains, open savannah and woodlands, there is an abundance of wildlife everywhere. Each tent has been designed around a congregation of beautiful big trees, with exceptional lagoon views. The adventure here comes to you in waves, as you safari amongst the islands, rich with wild things and extraordinary beauty. This is without doubt, an incredible Okavango Delta safari experience.
This prize includes:
• 3 nights each at Jack’s Camp
• 3 nights at North Island Okavango
• 1 night at the Intercontinental Hotel in Johannesburg
• All meals, game drives, selected beverages, and park fees
• Regional airfares Johannesburg-Maun return (economy)
• Intercamp shared light air transfers Maun-Maun
Kindly donated by:
Terms and conditions apply. The prize is valid for travel until 31 March 2026 but excludes peak season (1 Jul to 31 Aug).
Our Yalari Community
It takes a whole community to educate a child
Yalari gratefully acknowledges the dedication of everyone who has contributed to the 2024 Yalari Brisbane Gala Dinner
We also extend our sincere thanks to everyone who has attended tonight’s event. It is through you, our valued donors, sponsors, supporters and friends, that we are able to continue offering life-changing opportunities to Indigenous children around Australia.
Thank you for your generosity, without you being so kind, I wouldn’t be here having the time of my life and I wouldn’t have the opportunities I have today.
So thank you.
Isaac, Year 8
Brisbane Dinner Committee
Brad Horn
Janet Van Homrigh
Miranda Dunning
Nini Lu
Rob McConnel
Ted McArdle (Chair)
Tim Wilson
Trish Matthews (Secretary)
Auction & Raffle Donors
AA Pest Management
Aesop Pacific Fair
Agnes
Alperstein Designs
Australia Zoo
Australian 7s
Auto & General
Barbara Penrose
Bianca
Cauldron Distillery
Channel Seven Wheel of Brisbane
Coast to Hinterland Tours Sunshine Coast
Crystalbrook Byron
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Dinosaur Designs
Discovery Parks
Diviner’s Gin
Dreamtime Kullilla-Art
Edward McArdle
Epic Private Journeys
FireWorks Gallery
Fox in a Box Brisbane
Ghanem Group
Happy Buddha Retreats
Harveys Bar + Bistro
Heather Watson
Hentley Farm Wines
Herbert Smith Freehills
Honto
HOTA
Integrity Candles
InterContinental Hayman Island Resort
Karen Laird
Knight Fine Art and Mitchelton Gallery of
Aboriginal Art
Leree Lindsay
Lesleys Pet Portraits
LSKD
Minor DKL Food Group
Miranda Dunning
Mitchell Ogilvie
Nameer Davis
Ocean Shores Country Club
Ocean View Estates Winery
Olea of Monemvasia
Penguin House
Prada
QPAC
QT Gold Coast
Queensland Theatre
Raquel Redmond
Reds Rugby
Riverside Marine
Robert White Jewellers
Robina Town Centre
Rufus King Seafoods
S+S Hair & Beauty
Samantha Ogilvie
Same Same
Samsonite
SeaLink Marine & Tourism
SkyPoint Climb
Stunt Park
Suncorp Stadium
Supercars
Ted McArdle
TFE Hotels
The Calile Hotel
The Sit Down Comedy Club
Urban Xtreme
Verve Portraits
Victoria Park Golf Complex
Wesley Taylor Art Studios
Wild Earth
Yura Tours
Yalari Friends of FireWorks Gallery
FireWorks Gallery has been supporting Yalari since 2008, and many supporters of Yalari have continued to cross paths with the artists and artworks at our Brisbane gallery.
We are so proud to maintain these relationships but also to reward everyone involved!
To keep the support going, you can join our ART VIP club and become a valued member of ‘Yalari Friends of FireWorks Gallery.’
With your ART VIP card, every purchase you make from FireWorks Gallery will result in a percentage of up to 15% of the artwork’s value being donated back to Yalari as part of our ongoing commitment to Yalari’s enduring support for Indigenous children.
ART VIP friends will also receive advance notice of:
• special focus events
• artist talks
• exhibition launches and previews
• loyalty discounts on the wide variety of fine art available at FireWorks Gallery, including sculpture, paintings and limited-edition prints.
To become a member... scan the QR code and register via email
Partner with Us
With the support of generous and like-minded individuals and organisations, for almost 20 years Yalari has created educational opportunities for 784 Indigenous young adults.
Yalari’s vision is to be one of Australia’s great enduring educational and leadership foundations, empowering Indigenous people from regional and remote Australia.
We’d love to have you join us on this journey.
Looking to become a Yalari sponsor, either individually or as a company?
Please reach out to Laura Harvey at lharvey@yalari.org or on (07) 5665 8688.
Student Artists
The artwork featured in this booklet was supplied for use by
Yalari students Noami Buchanan of the Wadja Wadja Tribe, and Summer Lowe of the Gudanji Tribe.