Annual Review 2019

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ANNUAL REVIEW 2019

Thank you to all the amazing people who support Yalari.

I would not be where I am today without your help.

MOIGIDA LOBAN YEAR 9 YALARI SCHOLAR - CHURCHIE

Moigida is from Badu Island in the Torres Strait. He looks forward to completing his high school education so he can make a difference in his community.

Moigida’s journey is made possible by the generous support of The Deloitte Foundation.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Yalari acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first inhabitants of this land.

We recognise the 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 the Yalari office is on Kombumerri country within the lands of the Yugambeh language group of the wider area. We also acknowledge the traditional custodians of the lands on which we work Australia-wide, and recognise their culture, heritage and beliefs.

TABLE OF CONTENTS 8

Founding Director’s Welcome

9

Our Purpose

10

The Yalari Way

12

Innovative Programs of Change

14

Get to Know Our Board

18

2019: How your support made a difference

20

Student Support and Development

22

Esther’s Story

24

Pathways Program

26

Trey’s Story

28

Alumni Leadership Program

30

Partner Schools

31

A Principal’s Thoughts

32

Julie’s Story

36

Corporate Partners

37

Lipman Karas: A Partnership Story

38 Volunteers 40

Yalari Sponsors

41

Steve and Di’s Story

42

Community Giving

43

Clifford Chance: Supporting the Community

44

Financial Report

46

Ways To Give

Ella Nona is a Year 8 student at St Margaret’s Anglican Girls’ School in Brisbane. Her Yalari journey is made possible by the generous support of the Estate of the Late Mona M B Birell.

WHY WE EXIST Unfortunately, Indigenous children in Australia do not achieve the same educational and employment opportunities as their non-Indigenous peers. This is especially true for those living in regional, rural and remote areas.

We’re on a mission to change that.

With an army of dedicated and passionate supporters by our side, together we are bringing about generational change through the education and empowerment of Indigenous children.

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FOUNDING DIRECTOR’S WELCOME The future of our community is bright and full of promise thanks to the generosity of our wonderful donors and supporters. We had another fantastic year in 2019 and I hope, as you read through this annual review, you feel inspired by the positive journeys you have helped create for our Indigenous children and young people.

We are committed to enacting generational change through education and in partnership with our ‘Yalari family’, will continue to change outcomes for present and future Indigenous Australians. Empowerment and education of children is the foundation and purpose of Yalari.

Thanks so very much for the belief in our educational ideal of making a positive change in the lives of children, young people and young adults who will be the game changers, the influencers and the drivers of a better Australia for us all. They can do this because we all believe in them, their abilities and what they have in front of them for the future.

There can be no greater gift than for your life to have meaning beyond yourself. Thank you.

Waverley grew up in the rural Queensland town of Murgon and attended the local state school. It was here that his teacher, Mrs Rosemary Bishop, recognised Waverley’s potential and helped him obtain a secondary school scholarship to attend Toowoomba Grammar School.

Waverley’s life was forever shaped by the quality education he received. In recognition of this opportunity and with a strong desire for generational change, Waverley, his wife Llew Mullins and a group of like-minded individuals, founded Yalari in 2005 and established the Rosemary Bishop Indigenous Education Scholarship Program.

It’s about all of us working collaboratively as Indigenous and non-Indigenous people for the same common goal of educating and empowering Indigenous young people.

Years on, he still travels across Australia, personally selecting children for the program.

Waverley was recognised in the Australia Day 2019 Honours List and was appointed as a Member (AM) of the Order of Australia (General Division) for “significant service to the Indigenous community through support of education”.

WAVERLEY STANLEY AM FOUNDING DIRECTOR

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OUR PURPOSE Education is the key to generational change and a brighter future.

Yalari is a not-for-profit organisation offering secondary education scholarships at leading Australian boarding schools for Indigenous children from regional, rural and remote communities. Yalari also provides a comprehensive student support and development program, a post-school pathways program and an alumni program.

Our purpose is to educate and empower Indigenous children to bring about generational change.

With the support of generous individuals, companies and organisations, together we are enacting positive future change not only for Indigenous Australians but for our nation as a whole.

Waverley Stanley AM and Llew Mullins

MISSION

VISION

VALUES

To educate and empower Indigenous children from regional, rural and remote communities to bring about generational change.

To provide trusted, quality educational opportunities for Indigenous children to achieve positive outcomes for themselves and their families and make a valuable contribution as Australians.

Values of compassion, openness, respect, resilience, inclusiveness and excellence underpin our approach.

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THE YALARI WAY Yalari has a unique methodology which is part of the program’s underlying success. When you become involved with Yalari, you become part of the Yalari family.

01

CHOICE AND OPPORTUNITY

Choice and opportunity for students and their families encourages their engagement and commitment to a quality education.

03

ONE-ON-ONE SUPPORT

One-on-one support is provided to students through each of our unique program areas. This includes scholarship selection, boarding school transition and duration, personal growth and development, leadership opportunities, post-school pathways and alumni.

02

STRONG RELATIONSHIPS

Strong relationships and trust are fostered by Yalari, with each student, their family and school, enabling effective connections and communication.

04

STONG PARTNERSHIPS

Strong, productive and respectful partnerships with schools, sponsors, donors, volunteers and communities who share our values and embrace our partnership and support model.

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YALARI AND THOSE INVOLVED WITH THE ORGANISATION, KNOW WELL THE POWER OF MANY GIVING A LITTLE.

A good number of men who attended Toowoomba Grammar School (TGS) with Waverley have put this into practice. We are assisting two fine young Yalari men to attend TGS which is costing each sponsor less than a cup of coffee a day. Our contributors range from the Head Boy of our year to some who only just made it to Speech Day; from leaders in industry to fencers; from men who considered those five years some of their best days and others with some less favourable memories. We have all travelled our own paths but are tied by the shared experiences and friendships built up over those years.

Many from our years at school have found strength in friendships, mentors, contacts and connections made there. We hope our Yalari students also benefit from similar experiences as they navigate their way through life. We admire the strength and resilience of the students and their families as they move through a very different experience just as Waverley did in 1980 to 1984. We are proud to have Waverley as the strong friend and fine role model that he is.

Congratulations to Yalari and those involved over the last 14 years. You are great role models. Thank you.

The vision of Llew, Waverley and Yalari was easy to subscribe to. The dedication of all involved is obvious.

To become involved in the potential to create great change was irresistible.

- PHILIP CLARK CLASS OF 1984 - TOOWOOMBA GRAMMAR SCHOOL

Mick O’Keeffe (left) and Philip Chookie Clark with Yalari Year 9 student Jemaine Harrison.

Jemaine’s Yalari journey is made possible by the generosity of a group from the TGS Class of 1984.

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INNOVATIVE PROGRAMS OF CHANGE THE ROSEMARY BISHOP INDIGENOUS EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM All Yalari students are recipients of the Rosemary Bishop Indigenous Education Scholarship. The scholarship program is named after Waverley Stanley’s primary school teacher, Mrs Rosemary Bishop, who was pivotal in helping Waverley gain a scholarship at Toowoomba Grammar School.

Each year, up to 50 scholarships are offered to Indigenous children from regional, rural or remote communities who satisfy the selection criteria and are willing to give 100% towards their education.

Scholarships include full boarding and tuition costs at one of Yalari’s partner schools. To be eligible, students must be entering their first year of high school and come from a regional, rural or remote community across Australia.

into university life and participate in leadership, cultural and creative activities in the university lecture halls and theatres.

STUDENT SUPPORT & DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM Yalari’s unprecedented level of support for all scholarship students is a key strength of our unique model and contributes to our high retention rates. We have a passionate team of professionals throughout Australia who support our students, their families and our partner schools on a daily basis.

Opportunities for Yalari students to catch-up with each other, seek support or advice and undertake personal development are offered throughout the year by way of camps and workshops. Some of these include: •

Years 7 and 8 Orientation Camp: Students learn about boarding school life and what to expect.

•

Year 9 Central Australia Camps: Students focus on team work, relationship building, leadership skills, and cultural identity.

•

Year 10 Pay-It-Forward Program: A Yalari fundraising initiative encouraging students to think creatively and work together, in order to collectively fund a scholarship for another Yalari student.

•

Year 11 Camp: Students participate in vocational workshops, presentations and special projects. They also gain an insight

•

Year 12 Workshops: Designed to help students identify, assess and develop their post-school plans.

•

Year 12 Graduation: Celebrating the achievements of the graduates, a formal ceremony is held; followed by a trip to the snow fields.

•

Life Skills Graduate Workshop: Providing our recent graduates with a series of interactive programs to get them ready for work, future study and the real world.

•

Captain’s Camp: Yalari selects senior level students who exemplify the core values of compassion, openness, resilience, respect, inclusiveness and excellence to be Yalari Captains. The students attend a two-day workshop prior to Orientation Camp.

•

Biennial Commemorative Walk to Cherbourg: provides an opportunity for our students to experience the qualities of resilience, strength, courage, leadership and endurance in an event that not only takes a strong commitment from them to complete, but also provides the cultural backdrop of those who have gone before them and walked to Cherbourg in 1905.

Student Support Officers | Student Development Program | Wellbeing Program Scholarship Application Process

Rosemary Bishop Indigenous Education Scholarship Program

Year 7

Year 8

Year 9

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YALARI WELLBEING PROGRAM

PATHWAYS PROGRAM

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

The Yalari Student Wellbeing Program is about ensuring our students are happy, healthy and getting a good education. The program is embedded in activities throughout the scholarship program and takes a proactive approach to wellbeing.

The Yalari Pathways Program provides a formal structure to support Yalari students and graduates in their transition to higher education, vocational training and employment. This includes:

The Yalari Alumni Association is open to all Yalari alumni with the aim to: •

promote and maintain strong relationships among the alumni;

•

Career guidance in Year 10, 11 and 12;

Student Support Officers (SSOs) play a pivotal role by ensuring open lines of communications with students, their families and schools throughout the boarding school journey. They have regular one-onone interactions with Yalari students and are the first line of support; backed up by a student support team based in the Yalari office on the Gold Coast.

•

•

Support accessing tertiary scholarships and post-school opportunities; and

provide further opportunities for Yalari alumni to contribute to the charitable purposes of Yalari and the pursuit of its objectives.

•

Work experience and mentoring.

The program is responsive to needs as they arise. The team work with partner schools, families, mental health professionals and community champions where crisis or focussed support is needed.

All past Yalari scholarship students form part of the Yalari alumni. Past students are encouraged to stay connected to the organisation so they can support and participate in the ongoing sustainability of the Yalari community and its work.

YALARI ALUMNI

Membership is open to alumni, being all individuals (including a past scholar or graduate) who have held a Yalari scholarship for at least 12 months.

Objectives of the association are overseen by a management committee who are elected by members and appointed by the Yalari Board.

ALUMNI LEADERSHIP PROGRAM Yalari is committed to the ongoing support and development of all Yalari alumni and offers a series of leadership programs focusing on personal and professional development.

Pathways Program Alumni Leadership Program Yalari Alumni

Year 10

Year 11

Year 12

Alumni Association

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GET TO KNOW OUR BOARD

Yalari board members are a diverse group of professionals from various business sectors who share the passion of educating Indigenous children to create positive change. The oversight of business and affairs of Yalari are vested in the board. The board provides direction, control and accountability for the overall governance, strategy and performance of the organisation.

BRUCE DAVIDSON

WAVERLEY STANLEY AM

EDDIE WATKIN

CHAIRMAN

FOUNDING DIRECTOR

DIRECTOR

Bruce holds degrees in Law and Commerce from the University of Queensland and was formerly a partner in a leading commercial law firm. He specialised in international business and conducted business development activities throughout Asia.

As a Founding Director of Yalari, Waverley knows about the power of education and has worked tirelessly over the past 14 years to turn his dream of Yalari into a reality.

Born and raised in Cairns, Eddie’s rich Indigenous Australian cultural heritage comes from Erub and Mabuiag Islands of the Torres Strait.

Eddie is one of Australia’s leading facilitators and highly respected leadership educators. He is a leadership entrepreneur, coach, mentor, strategist, presenter, author and speaker, and a lifelong learner of leadership.

Bruce has spent the last 20 years with Davidson Recruitment and in his current role as the Davidson Group CEO, he leads a talented team across Australia and New Zealand dedicated to enhancing workplace performance for clients. He has also been invited to consult to boards and senior executives, to act as a mentor, and speak on both formal and informal occasions. Bruce has previously held the role of Regional Councillor for Finsia.

Waverley has worked extensively throughout Queensland as an Indigenous Support Officer for Education Queensland. More recently, he has presented and facilitated leadership and education workshops and conferences for Indigenous people throughout Australia.

Waverley is a graduate of the Australian Rural Leadership Program for 2005-2006 and also a recipient of the prestigious Churchill Fellowship in 2013. In 2019, Waverley was appointed as a Member (AM) of the Order of Australia for his ‘signifcant service to the Indigenous community thorough support for education’.

Eddie’s passion is to build, strengthen and advance better leadership connections between everyday people. He has had the privilege of coming alongside youth to inspire them to achieve their leadership best. He has coached executives and senior executives in business leadership. He has mentored people who want to make a difference in their personal lives, and he has had the honour of facilitating events for people who want to transform nations. He continues to positively inspire, instruct and influence the lives of all generations in living their best leadership life.

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KAREN SPILLER OAM

JOHN CAMPBELL

LLEW MULLINS

CAMERON PROUT

DIRECTOR

DIRECTOR

MANAGING DIRECTOR

DIRECTOR

Karen has had teaching and leadership experience in schools for over 30 years. She is the Principal at John Paul College and the former Principal at St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School, a role she held for 18 years.

John has a wealth of investment management experience, having spent more than 24 years in a variety of roles within the industry.

Llew’s working life has taken her from her home town of Sydney, to Alice Springs and up to the Gold Coast Hinterland.

Prior to founding Avoca Investment Management, John spent six years at UBS where he was Managing Director / Portfolio Manager of the UBS Australian Small Companies Fund, which was awarded the Australian Fund Managers’ Best Small Cap Fund Manager of the Year in 2009. John joined UBS in 2004 from Credit Suisse First Boston where he was a Director of Equity Research Sales.

A musician, writer, painter, business manager and owner with the heart of a humanitarian, Llew’s experience and qualifications in business, financial management and organisation, mentoring, and many years working in the social welfare and counselling areas, saw her well positioned to assist Waverley when he shared his idea of Yalari with her in 2004.

Karen is a Past National Chair of the Association of Heads in Independent Schools Australia and is currently President of Independent Schools Queensland and a member of the Independent Schools Council of Australia Board. She is a previous national chair of the Alliance of Girls’ Schools, Australasia and board member of the Australian Boarding Schools Association. Karen is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Management, the Australian Institute of Company Directors, the Australian Human Resources Institute, the Australian Council for Educational Leaders and the Australian College of Educators. Karen is also a member of the Queensland Government’s International Education and Training Advisory Group.

In 2017, Karen was awarded a Medal of Order of Australia Queen’s Birthday Honour for her service to women, and to education. In 2019 she received the prestigious national Nganakarrawa award presented

by ACEL for Excellence in Educational Administration.

He has worked in a broad range of roles within the industry including equity analysis, trading and sales at various financial institutions including Maple-Brown Abbott, Bankers Trust Australia and JP Morgan Private. Prior to working in financial markets, John was employed as an auditor with Price Waterhouse.

Fifteen years later, and now the Managing Director of Yalari, Llew draws on a wealth of knowledge and vast life experiences to manage the operations of a medium sized not-for-profit company — a position she is honoured and proud to hold.

Cameron joined the Yalari Board to help create opportunities in perpetuity for future generations of Indigenous children to realise their dreams and have a lasting impact on all Australians.

Cameron is the Head of Fundraising and Philanthropy at UnitingCare, helping hundreds of thousands of people and families throughout Queensland live life in all its fullness. Cameron is responsible for fundraising and philanthropy across UnitingCare’s health, aged care and community services including Lifeline, Blue Care, The Wesley Hospital and St Andrew’s War Memorial Hospital as well as UnitingCare’s vast range of community programs.

Previously the Chief Executive Officer of the Queensland Children’s Hospital Foundation and the Heart Foundation for over 18 years, Cameron led the efforts to significantly increase the impact, profile and revenue of both organisations.

Andrew Casey is in Year 8 at John Paul College. His Yalari journey is made possible by the generous support of H & J Davies Foundation.

CREATING POSITIVE CHANGE Our focus for every student is they develop in all areas of their life.

From academics to leadership, self-development to emotional wellbeing, Yalari scholars are supported every step of the way, encouraging them to be the best they can be.

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2019: HOW YOUR SUPPORT MADE A DIFFERENCE Your belief and generosity made it possible for over 500 Indigenous children and young people to learn, dream, achieve and succeed through education and post-school options.

184

INDIGENOUS STUDENTS

were attending boarding schools on Yalari scholarships nationally

350+

YALARI ALUMNI

were studying at universities, working, undertaking further training or raising families

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PARTNER SCHOOLS

engaged with Yalari for the common goal of empowering Indigenous children through education

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I cannot thank you enough. I am so lucky to have this opportunity.

STAFF

are committed and passionate about creating opportunities for Indigenous young people

SHELLEY HUNT YEAR 9 STUDENT - JOHN PAUL COLLEGE

Shelley’s Yalari journey is made possible by the generous support of The Doug Hall Foundation.

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92.82%

STUDENT RETENTION RATE

achieved in 2019 across all student year levels

Number of Indigenous students on Yalari scholarships

250

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STUDENT SUPPORT AND DEVELOPMENT CAMPS

were held across four states and territories

200

200+

150

VOLUNTEERS

generously donated their time via student tutoring, Yalari events, governance and administrative roles

2

100

50

ALUMNI LEADERSHIP CAMPS

were held across two states

0

2006

2007 2008

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

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STUDENT SUPPORT AND DEVELOPMENT Yalari’s dedicated student support team works to ensure each child is provided with the necessary one-on-one support required for success at boarding school. From scholarship selection, transition and boarding duration to personal growth and development, the team is with the students every step of the way.

The Yalari student support, development and wellbeing teams ran a series of camps and activities throughout 2019, all aimed at developing student confidence, leadership and resilience, strengthening their support networks, providing mentoring and coaching, and ultimately equipping them with the skills required to reach graduation.

2019 Student Support and Development Snapshot Orientation Camp “Winanggaay Nguurrang” or “the camp of thinking and understanding” was held at The Southport School on the Gold Coast in January 2019. The four-day orientation camp prepared students for the transition from primary education to a boarding school environment.

There are no words to express our gratitude for all that Yalari has done and continues to do. We can only hope to make you proud with continuing to make a difference in this world.

Year 9 Central Australia Outback Camp The two Outback Camps (girls/boys) were held during the

This journey hasn’t been easy and I’ve definitely faced some obstacles along the way, but being a part of the Yalari family has pushed me to succeed and do the best I can.

July school holidays. The six-day camping adventure from Alice Springs to Uluru offered students the opportunity to reconnect with culture and the land, forge new friendships, strengthen their support networks and reflect on the unique

MONIQUE LAURIE

opportunities they are receiving.

2019 KAMBALA GRADUATE AND YALARI VALEDICTORIAN

Monique’s Yalari journey is made possible by the generous support of the Australian Government.

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Year 10 & Year 11 Student Development Camps

2019 Yalari Captains

The Yalari Year 10 students attended the “My Future” Camp at the University of

Scholars from Year 11 and Year 12 were chosen for the role of Yalari Captain for their schools based

Adelaide’s Lincoln College while the Year 11 Camp was held on campus at Queen’s

on qualities such as responsible behaviour, leadership, involvement with their school community

College - University of Melbourne.

and acting as a role model for other students.

These camps provided students with the opportunity to consider their post-

The students attended a pre-Orientation Camp workshop to improve their skills and confidence in

school options while experiencing residential college living and university life.

communication, leadership and organisation.

The two-day camps allowed students to participate in a variety of workshops and presentations, all aimed at identifying their passions and abilities in order to formulate a career plan.

Our 2019 Yalari Captains: Adan Taat, Georgia Dennison, Haley Hunt, Hunter Lawson, Jade Jolliffe, Jaycee Sellings, Kiirra Bligh, Liam Saunders, Noah Allen, Noah Smith, Norah Hegedus, Renekka Narkle, Sophia Mene, Taleyah Hippi, Tenika Roe, Tyeena Pang and Tyrese Carr-White.

Year 12 Graduation Ceremony Yalari’s 2019 Year 12 Graduation Ceremony was held at Parliament House in Canberra, where 19 Yalari graduates attended their last official Yalari event. Congratulations to our graduating class of 2019.

ADAN TAAT

DARCIE SEXTON

DECLAN HARRY

ELI-BLAKE GILLON

EZEKIEL BILLY

INDIRA LAIFOO

KLAUDIA FARNHAM

LACHLAN TOOVEY

LAKOTTA MILLER

LIAM SAUNDERS

MONIQUE LAURIE

RENEKKA NARKLE

SHAHLEENA MARTIN

SHUAIB RHODES-SWAIN

TALEYAH HIPPI

TENIKA ROE

TOBY MCGOVERN-CUBBY

TORI-LEE CAIN

ZANNA PALMER

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Esther’s Story Living with a grateful heart

M

y name is Esther Knowles and I grew up in Pilliga, in North Western NSW. I am a Gamilaroi woman

I enjoy my time boarding at Kambala. I have many new friends and I am fortunate that I get to call them my

and my totem is the Sand Goanna. I come from a large family – I am one of six siblings.

second family. I’ve been given many opportunities at Kambala. In Year 8, I started singing lessons. I would

Growing up in Pilliga, school life was a lot different. It was rather relaxed to say the least. Sure,

we had a school uniform, but to say Kambala’s standards are a little different would be an understatement!

I had to learn that my shoes needed to be polished, I must wear the correct uniform and wear my blazer.

However, if it was not for Yalari and their supporters, I would not have this opportunity. I found out about Yalari from my Principal, Mr Lord at Pilliga Primary School. He saw that I had potential to attend boarding school and suggested that I apply for a scholarship. I wanted to better my education and receive an opportunity that I knew I wouldn’t receive back home at the local high school.

I clearly remember my interview; my mum and I were waiting at the local park for 10 minutes. Karen and Gary then pulled up in a car with the Yalari logo on the side. I was asked lots of questions about why I deserve a Yalari scholarship, how I would cope with homesickness and being away from family. I felt so nervous because I wanted it so much, but I wasn’t sure if I was going to receive a scholarship. After they interviewed me, Karen and Gary then politely asked me to leave to answer more questions on a piece of

love to also learn how to play the piano. I’ve also been selected to participate in World Challenge next year where we will travel to Ecuador for a month, helping those who are less fortunate. My favourite subjects at school are elective history, photography and maths. My maths teacher Ms Jensen has made my time so far at Kambala more enjoyable — she is always smiling, and always helps me when I don’t understand the work. I have since realised that I enjoy maths!

Kambala and Yalari have taught me many lessons and given me important values. I have learned to be an independent young woman which will help me in the future. I look up to Waverley, Llew and the older Yalari girls at Kambala, as they have inspired me to set goals and dreams. I have formed a special bond with them that I am so grateful for.

When I finish school, I want to pursue a career in law and human rights as I want to make a difference to people’s lives, especially within the Indigenous community. I would like to study overseas in America at one of their universities.

paper while they spoke to my mum. I tried my hardest to hear what they were saying wondering if they

I would especially like to say thank you to those who support Yalari. You have and will continue to make

already had decided. When I found out that I had been selected, I was filled with so much happiness

an impact on individuals like me. Without your generosity and kindness it would not be possible for Yalari

and was so proud of myself. I, Esther Knowles, was one step closer to reaching my goal of gaining a top

to offer these scholarships. You are helping the students, including me become the future Indigenous

education.

leaders.

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When I finish school, I want to pursue a career in law and human rights as I want to make a difference to people’s lives, especially within the Indigenous community.

ESTHER KNOWLES YEAR 9 YALARI SCHOLAR - KAMBALA

Esther’s story is made possible by the generous support of the Australian Government.

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PATHWAYS PROGRAM In 2019, the Yalari Pathways team have continued to assist the Year 10, 11 and 12 students with their preparation for life after boarding school, encouraging and supporting them to explore tertiary and vocational options.

7

20+

UNIVERSITY PARTNERSHIPS

30+

PATHWAYS CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS

ALUMNI IN PATHWAYS PLACEMENTS

The team also works with Yalari alumni and their families, continuing to provide support, advice and guidance in the years following school as they transition into independent life.

The program is designed to ensure that Yalari students and graduates are getting the best possible career outcomes from their education. Assistance can include: support and advice with job applications and interviews, assistance with tertiary course enrolment, postschool accommodation options and assistance in securing the financial means to undertake further study or training. Yalari has also partnered with companies and organisations to offer Indigenous internship opportunities.

SARAH-CAIT KIRKLAND YALARI ALUMNA AND JOHN PAUL COLLEGE GRADUATE - 2018 Being an intern at Yalari has provided me with an array of new experiences. Seeing Yalari operate from the perspective of a staff member rather than a student has given me a large amount of insight into the operations of a business.

I cannot wait to see where life takes me from here but I remain extremely grateful for this opportunity and will volunteer my time when I can. Thank you Yalari team!

The Yalari Pathways Program is supported by a number of key Yalari partners and generous individual donors who were instrumental in providing opportunities and support to the Yalari students and alumni. Thank you.

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2019 Pathways Snapshot Year 12 Pathways Workshop Held over three days in May, the annual Year 12 Pathways Workshop was hosted by Herbert Smith Freehills in their Brisbane office.

WILL MUNRO A MEMBER OF THE YALARI ALUMNI HAVING GRADUATED FROM ANGLICAN CHURCH GRAMMAR SCHOOL (CHURCHIE) IN 2012.

The purpose of the workshop is to help students prepare for life beyond boarding school. We aim to complement the great work already undertaken by our partner schools as we all support our students to achieve their goals.

Key focus areas included career foundations (resume and cover letter writing sessions, job interview skills and preparedness), goal setting, post-school tertiary options, team building and leadership skills, Indigenous pathways and health, wellbeing and cultural identity for Year 12 and beyond.

Indigenous Internship Program Yalari continues to support its alumni through further development and employment opportunities as well as personal, career and leadership development, including an Internship Program and Gap Year Program.

Yalari has partnered with organisations and businesses who share a commitment to providing high quality employment opportunities to Indigenous youth.

University Partnerships Many of the Yalari university students are residing in university colleges through partnerships formed with King’s College, Women’s College and Emmanuel College at the University of Queensland, St Andrew’s College at the University of Sydney, St Anne’s College at the University of Sunshine Coast, and Trinity College, Ormond College and Queen’s College at the University of Melbourne. Yalari is developing partnerships with more university colleges to cater for the ever increasing demand.

The best part of Yalari without a doubt was the people I met in and out of the program, as well as finally feeling like I belonged. Before Yalari I attended Toowoomba Preparatory School originally as its sole Aboriginal student and it wasn’t easy.

I’m currently studying a Bachelor of Psychological Science, aiming to finish study in 2020. I also work in hospitality at the Ibis Styles Hotel as part of the Yalari/Accor Pathways partnership. I’m really enjoying it as well.

The whole experience of Yalari taught me more about opportunity and mob, more so than I thought I already knew about; and that I could do more for myself and my community with a great education. I felt like I’d become part of something more, a family away from family, and I will be forever grateful for that.

My advice to the current scholars is to look to the future and prepare, live the best way possible, make great and lasting memories but don’t forget your past. Your education will become a pathway to something better for yourself and in turn for your family but never lose your roots. That’s the real you and it’s on you to never forget that.

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Trey’s Story

T

he ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy, a Martin Luther King Jr. quote told to me by Uncle Waverley which I remember every time I doubt myself.

My full name is Trey Elias Petterson. I have been asked to share with you a story about myself and I know no better way to do that than by sharing with you some of the challenges I have had to overcome and some I still battle with to this day.

I was born on the day after Bindi Irwin on the 25th of July 1998 in the Royal Darwin Hospital. The day was one of celebration in the Northern Territory, not because I was born, but because it was firecracker night, and here I was six years later thinking everyone in Darwin was celebrating my birthday! I am the eldest of 10 siblings and the first grandchild of 26, so of course growing up I was spoilt and had high expectations from all my family.

I went to preschool and primary school at Nightcliff and was taught by some of the loveliest teachers I have ever known, one of them being my Nana Christine. It was my life in primary school from the ages of 6 to 11, my life before Yalari, that I had dealt with some of the most challenging times. Throughout school, I was always seen as someone who never really belonged — I was too white for the black kids and too black for the white kids. I was brought up to never judge anyone by the colour of their skin because if I look at my family, we are all different shades of beautiful. Almost every recess and lunch I would sit alone or hide away in the library because when I would hang out with the kids, a lot of the older kids would approach me and throw food at me, calling racist slurs, steal my food, steal my pokemon cards and almost anything they could do to hurt me emotionally. I was a constant victim of bullying. Of course, me being young I never understood why people would hate me for being me. However, at least at school, I could escape the life I had at home.

Something that sticks with me all the time are the memories of my

Yalari changes lives life at home. At the time it was just my mum Joelene, my dad Daniel, my younger brother Brenden and me. My brother and I would spend almost all our time outside catching lizards and playing in the park; we were never inside because that’s where the drama was. Most nights our father would be yelling and swearing, and abusing our mother. I remember one night going into the hallway, seeing clothes ripped up, holes in the walls, plates broken, blood on the floor and the house basically flipped upside down because my dad had broken in trying to look for money and things to steal so he could go and buy more drugs.

I try to think back about all the good times but unfortunately, I am haunted by the memories that are filled with pain and the feeling of being powerless. My home was rarely ever a happy place. The only real times I remember being happy were when the police would come to take my father away. He was always coming and going, he was always in and out of jail. I was never able to look up to him, a drug addict, a criminal, a coward and a liar, not once was he there for his family.

In 2010, I graduated Year 6 and was about to go into the transition high school, Nightcliff High. I honestly didn’t know that my Aunty Karlea had filled out applications for Yalari in hopes that I would be accepted into boarding school and move to a place that offers more opportunities. I really didn’t even know what boarding school was, so I didn’t understand what was about to happen to my life. I was lucky enough to be interviewed by two of the most amazing and inspiring people I know, Llew and Waverley.

To my amazement I was accepted into Riverview where I began my adventure of finding my place in this world. It wasn’t that easy though.

Luckily there were people like George Sykes and Filise Freeman-Mafi in the boarding house who quickly came to my side and made me feel welcome. I was even elected Junior Class Captain, Junior House Captain and Junior Liturgy Captain in Year 7 and Year 8.

I cried over many nights from Year 7 to Year 9, no matter how many friends I made. I always had this feeling of being alone. It was in Year 9 that I wanted to pull out of boarding the most. I am thankful that an amazing man by the name of Chris Farnsworth, the Indigenous

support coordinator, was there to keep my head grounded.

In Year 10 I had a boarding master, Michael Webb, who was always checking up on me and making sure I was happy. I would always fake a smile and tell him I was fine. Little did he know that since Year 9, I would be going home to domestic violence and drug abuse. When I would come back to school I would be getting phone calls from the police informing me that my mother was in hospital as she was always being ‘flogged’ by her boyfriend, I would see photos of my mother bruised and beaten. I just wanted to be home to protect my family.

In Year 12, I was elected Chisholm House Vice Captain, a Eucharistic Minister, Yalari Captain for my school and an Indigenous Spiritual Leader.

It’s been three years now since I’ve graduated and I’ve had some pretty big ups and some pretty big downs including my younger brother being in and out of jail. I want to be there helping him but I am now studying social and political science at UTS, focusing on my own future. I am now going strong, having to carry what seems to be the weight of the world upon my shoulders. I push through my challenges because of my brothers, my sisters, my cousins, Brenden, Jaxon, Beau, Ali, Ricky, and many more. I keep going because of people who I’ve met along the way, Julian, Waverley, Llew, Reilly, Farnzy, Ms Zwar just to name a few.

Growing up, I never saw a future. I never knew that there was more to life than what I had already experienced in Darwin. I was never given these opportunities before Yalari. My years at boarding school were honestly the best years of my life. I wouldn’t have met the most amazing people. I wouldn’t have accomplished so much, I will always remember all of you who have been there.

So I want to say thanks to you, the people who have supported Yalari, which has then in turn supported me — supported us. It is this ongoing support that you give to us that changes our lives, that breaks the chains and opens our eyes. It gives us hope.

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It is this ongoing support that you give to us that changes our lives, that breaks the chains and opens our eyes. It gives us hope.

TREY PETTERSON YALARI ALUMNUS

Trey’s Yalari journey was made possible by the generous support of the Australian Government.

Photo: Warrior Spirit personal development course - Holsworthy Army Barracks.

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ALUMNI LEADERSHIP PROGRAM Yalari is committed to the ongoing support and development of all Yalari graduates and

2019 Alumni Leadership Program Snapshot

alumni, offering a series of leadership programs focusing on personal and professional development. The programs are centered around the wellbeing of participants on a cultural,

Warrior Spirit - Growing Young Leaders

physical, spiritual, emotional, social, economic and educational level.

Operating in partnership with the 5th Brigade Holsworthy Barracks, Warrior Spirit – Growing Young

The valuable outcomes from Yalari’s leadership program will support, develop and

Leaders is a seven-day, military-style personal development course conducted at Holsworthy Barracks

transform the next generation of Indigenous leaders in Australia.

Sydney. The holistic leadership and resilience program is designed for Yalari alumni and graduates, preparing them to lead and win in adult life. It is designed to stretch and ‘stress-test’ resilience and provide opportunities for self-reflection and personal growth.

The course was held over the 2019 Easter period and saw 16 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young

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ALUMNI PARTICIPANTS

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people from around Australia attend the inaugural event.

LEADERSHIP COURSES

Walking Towards Wisdom Yalari’s inaugural Walking Towards Wisdom workshop was held in December on Tamborine Mountain.

Attendees learnt how they can be effective influencers of change and succeed in adult life. The workshop forms part of Yalari’s overall commitment to creating leadership development opportunities for Yalari graduates and alumni.

JORDAN ELLIS A MEMBER OF THE YALARI ALUMNI HAVING GRADUATED FROM MARIST COLLEGE, ASHGROVE IN 2010. JORDY NOW WORKS AS A RESEARCH PROJECT OFFICER AT THE CSIRO IN CANBERRA. I was motivated to attend the Walking Towards Wisdom workshop because I wanted to connect and share experiences with Yalari alumni I had never met before.

I also want to be part of the next phase of Yalari — good generational change for our people and our culture.

Walking Towards Wisdom provides heart and head learning opportunities for self-reflection and personal growth. It is a leadership-equipping program designed to complement personal life skills and leadership preparation for the future.

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A huge thank you again to Yalari for helping me with the opportunities and checking-in on me. It’s kept me motivated and looking for bigger things. Thanks to Yalari, I’ve developed a lot more as a person.

ASHLEY HUDSON A MEMBER OF THE YALARI ALUMNI HAVING GRADUATED FROM KINROSS WOLAROI SCHOOL IN 2014

Left to right: Ryan O’Callaghan, Buddy Stanley, Rekisha Satour, Shanice Flemming and Jadalyn De Busch Seated: Trey Petterson

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PARTNER SCHOOLS Yalari’s selection process for partner schools is aimed at ensuring our scholars are placed in the care of dedicated education professionals, where they will not only learn but will be supported and thrive.

Northern Territory

Each of our current partner schools across Australia has been chosen because of their alignment with Yalari’s vision, values and philosophy and with the knowledge that a caring and supportive environment is provided for our students. We also ensure the school has the ability to be caring and culturally sensitive to our students and their families.

The support from the broader school communities, including parents and other students, helps us welcome our students into school life and is a valued addition to our relationship with every school.

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Active Volunteers YALARI WAY WORKSHOPS

Queensland Western Australia

Churchie - Anglican Church Grammar School, Brisbane Clayfield College John Paul College, Brisbane Scots PGC Warwick St Hilda’s School, Gold Coast St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School, Brisbane The Glennie School, Toowoomba The Southport School, Gold Coast Toowoomba Grammar School

South Australia

New South Wales

Methodist Ladies College, Perth

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Great Southern Grammar School, Albany

Scotch College, Adelaide St Peter’s College, Adelaide

Tasmania

The Yalari Way for Schools

SUSIE HUNTER

In 2019, Yalari introduced an interactive workshop specifically designed for Yalari’s partner schools. The two-hour workshop was envisioned by co-founders Waverley Stanley and Llew Mullins to ensure partner relationships remain inclusive, strong and transparent.

THE YALARI WAY FACILITATOR

This unique workshop is not a cultural awareness or cultural competency workshop but, instead, an opportunity for schools to better understand the journey of a Yalari scholar.

Abbotsleigh, Sydney Kambala, Sydney Shore - Sydney Church of England Grammar School St Ignatius’ College Riverview, Sydney The Scots College, Sydney

Geelong Grammar School St Catherine’s School, Melbourne

PARTNER SCHOOLS NATIONALLY

The Yalari Way team comprises industry professionals, an Indigenous elder and young, motivated members of Yalari’s alumni. Our facilitators have wide and varied experiences working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in boarding schools.

Victoria

Calrossy Anglican School Kinross Wolaroi School

It was so rewarding for us to meet passionate professionals who are “walking the walk.” We could not have hoped for a better way in which to start this journey. Thank you to all staff who attended one of our workshops. It is so helpful to put faces to the names of people who are working with us, the students and their families to bring about generational change.

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A Principal’s Thoughts

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bbotsleigh’s Indigenous program is something that is very close to our hearts and I was delighted with the initiative of our Yalari scholars, who ran our Senior School assembly in March of 2019.

Beautifully introduced by Olivia Oakeshott (Year 8), who gave the Acknowledgement of Country, and Holly Austin (Year 12), the girls wanted to let the whole Senior School know a little more about Yalari and about their own stories.

“Yalari is a non-for-profit organisation that offers scholarships at leading Australian boarding schools for Indigenous children from regional, rural and remote communities. It was founded by Waverley Stanley and his wife Llew in 2005, and since then it has expanded nationwide with 22 partner schools. As of this year, there are 190 students receiving a quality education on a Yalari Scholarship, and there are 354 students who have graduated at one of these schools and are now studying at university, working or undertaking further training. Abbotsleigh has been involved with Yalari since 2008 and, overall, has had 13 girls graduate. Currently there are 10 girls who are on a Yalari Scholarship.” – Mackenzie Hyde (Year 9) and Ava Seaton (Year 7).

What is really clear from the girls is how much they value being a Yalari scholar and how much they value being at Abbotsleigh. The poignant stories of Georgia Dennison and Sophie Oakeshott and their families were very inspiring.

“I just want to recognise the Yalari girls here today.

Each one of these girls has a unique and different back story, and they should be proud of how far they have come,” Georgia said.

“It is proven that Aboriginal youth are more likely to be put in the juvenile justice system than they

are to graduate from Year 12. These are the girls that you will see making a change in our Indigenous community — these Yalari girls here with me — they are the ones breaking the stigmas and stereotypes around Indigenous kids from rural and remote areas, and they will be the ones giving back to their communities. Our girls, and the other Yalari scholars across Australia, appreciate the opportunities they have been given so much that, each year, they embrace Yalari’s Pay it Forward fundraising campaign.”

As Jayda Craigie (Year 10) and Brooke Brown (Year 9) told the girls at assembly, “The Pay it Forward campaign is a Yalari fundraising initiative encouraging Year 10 and 11 Yalari scholars to think creatively and work together in order to collectively fund a scholarship for another Yalari student.”

The funds that are raised make a real difference.

Yalari scholars have been able to fundraise enough money each year to pay for the education of another Yalari student. In 2018, this initiative helped Jada Davui graduate from St Hilda’s on the Gold Coast.

Last year’s NAIDOC Day at Abbotsleigh was the key fundraiser for the Pay It Forward initiative.

Students were invited to dress in the colours black, red and yellow to celebrate the Indigenous people of Australia. During lunchtime, we had a sausage sizzle, and there were many activities such as face painting, mosaic and pebble painting. All the money that was raised on this day was for Pay it Forward, and we made just over $1,500, smashing our goal of $800!’

Congratulations girls on your passion and initiative and the great assembly that you organised.

What is really clear from the girls is how much they value being a Yalari scholar.

MRS MEGAN KRIMMER HEADMISTRESS - ABBOTSLEIGH

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Julie’s Story Reflections from the heart of a Yalari parent

M

any years ago, a child of 10 siblings attended a tiny bush school, their heroic Dad camped away in the bush for months on end cutting timber just to keep the family.

The child’s mother, a beautiful and gentle Gumbaynggirr woman spent long days and nights scrubbing houses and weeding banana plantations – being paid with a pot of curry to keep food on the table.

That inquisitive child learnt to read via her Ma’s kerosene lamp as the family did not have electricity until she was in high school. That small child spent many afternoons collecting the sticks to light the stove for the cooking and to keep the house warm.

From a young age, that small child questioned why her mum struggled, why she and her siblings had to wear their best ‘2nd’ outfits around the house, hair plaited and immaculate. They soon realised the children had to be paraded out to the nurse and welfare officer on their arrival at the door to be checked. Her mum lived a life of fear that one day her children would be taken away from her.

That small child from a very young age sensed a world of injustice; but she had dreams of learning and knowledge and the need to gain a sound education to be an influencer, an activist and to chase the opportunities brought on by knowledge.

Ginagaay! Hello! That child is yours truly - Julie Perkins, Norah Hegedus’ mum who is a Year 11 Yalari scholar at St Hilda’s School on the Gold Coast in Queensland.

In 2014, Norah and her brother Jacob were attending a wonderful school in their small home town, though due to the work required by their father and me, the educational experience was very disrupted.

We were concerned about the lack of opportunity as they grew older.

Through our despair, a blessing arrived in our lives. We applied for a Yalari placement for Norah. Waverley Stanley arrived at our small home and interviewed us. Norah was in Year 6 and our families had never known or experienced the schools associated with Yalari; the thought of boarding terrified us. The day arrived for us to attend

the St Hilda’s interview; all of our insecurities arose again. How could we possibly fit in at St Hilda’s? We did not have to hold those fears though as the school was really beautiful, the staff were most welcoming and we were accepted!

The six-year journey begins: I didn’t know how I would release my baby girl into the care of others - far from our small town. Day one saw the Yalari staff and St Hilda’s embrace our daughter and all of her unique qualities. Yes, we missed Norah terribly, though we focused on the most amazing opportunity in her life and the eye-opening experiences that we had learnt of students under the Yalari program.

Norah has not looked back; dancing, drama, hockey, swimming, rowing, volunteering, educational and cultural learnings, the making of life-long friendships and so much more. This amazing Yalari program changes lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children; the team effort of Waverley, Llew, staff, partner schools and the truly compassionate sponsors, and supporters are ensuring through their work that Aboriginal children from regional and remote communities are provided that much needed start for a successful life’s journey.

The highlights are many, there have been ups and downs along the way, no life journey is smooth; though the resilience taught and support provided has brought us nearly to the final year! A personal highlight has been the opportunity to attend the annual Yalari Fundraising Dinner in Brisbane. A celebration of youth, a celebration of achievement, a celebration of a committed team of students, schools, staff, volunteers and generous donors and sponsors giving practical assistance to grow our children into talented, gracious, and respectful young adults.

Next year, in 2020, our daughter’s boarding and school experience is nearing the end at St Hilda’s. We truly pay homage to Yalari, the sponsors and St Hilda’s. Norah has moved from the shy little girl we left on day one to a unique and inquisitive young woman who has been educated and empowered via the many experiences of the last six years. We are indebted to the sponsors of Norah.

As a family, we will be forever grateful and have committed to continue our association with Yalari to continue the dream for many more children from regional and remote communities. I urge anyone who can; to continue to work out ways of assisting Yalari, your actions will be appreciated; you will ‘close the gap’ and you will bring generational change to Australia’s First Nations Peoples.

And, that young girl — it was not smooth sailing. Losing her parents at a young age she was forced out of school and sent to a hostel many kilometers away to attend deportment school. She was advised she did not belong to the “right type” of family to study her dream of law, so Year 12 studies would have been irrelevant to her. At age 30 and having won a scholarship, she was able to take up studies and finally succeeded in gaining a Bachelor of Laws.

If only I had a Yalari back in my childhood.

“I stood by and wondered why someone was not assisting, I looked around – and realised that someone could just be me.”

Please spread the word and join the Yalari movement!

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As a family, we will be forever grateful and have committed to continue our association with Yalari to continue the dream for many more children from regional and remote communities.

JULIE PERKINS YALARI PARENT

Julie Perkins with her children, Norah (middle) and Jacob Hegedus.

Norah’s Yalari journey is made possible by the generous support of The Langports Foundation.

Clay Shafer and Michael Argyrou ( Joint Managing Director, Hickory Group).

Clay is in Year 8 at Geelong Grammar School. His Yalari journey is made possible by the generous support of the Hickory Group.

OUR YALARI FAMILY It is only through the support of our special, generous and compassionate Yalari community that our students can achieve positive, life-changing outcomes for themselves and their families.

It takes a whole community to educate a child.

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CORPORATE PARTNERS

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A Partnership Story Understanding the power of education

S

ince 2012 Lipman Karas has supported Yalari’s vision of bringing about generational change for Indigenous Australians by improving access to first-class education for Indigenous youth.

Lipman Karas is an international investigative legal practice with a focus on complex commercial

disputes. Established in Adelaide in 2004 by Skip Lipman and Jason Karas, the firm has expanded to include offices in London and Hong Kong. Lipman Karas is committed to engaging with and contributing to the local communities in which it works. Supporting educational and other programs focused on Indigenous youth and culture is a strong focus of these efforts. The firm’s relationship with Yalari provides an opportunity for team members to engage directly with the programs that Lipman Karas supports.

Lipman Karas’ relationship with Yalari continues to grow in strength and in 2020 LK is providing financial support for six Yalari students. In addition to financial support, Lipman Karas works with Yalari to complement the students’ experience and involvement in the local community by organizing visits to Scotch College, Adelaide students Imani Austin (left) and Cheree Whymann (right) with Julia Dreosti - Principal, Lipman Karas.

Cheree’s Yalari journey is made possible by the incredible support of Lipman Karas and Imani is proudly sponsored by the Australian Government.

SCOTT FOREMAN PRINCIPAL, LIPMAN KARAS HEAD, LIPMAN KARAS COMMUNITY PORTFOLIO

Lipman Karas understands the power of education. It can provide life changing opportunities for individuals and drive progress and change for entire communities. We are proud of our partnership with Yalari and support its vision of providing young Indigenous Australians with a first-class education so they have the power to determine their own future and reach their full potential. We look forward to continuing our work with Yalari to support current and future generations of Indigenous Australians.

important cultural events and opportunities to engage with the Lipman Karas team, including being part of the firm’s team for the annual City to Bay fun run.

Lipman Karas was delighted to host the 2019 South Australian Yalari Awards event at its office and sponsor the two Yalari prizes for South Australian based students. They have supported Yalari students with fundraising activities for the Pay it Forward Program and members of the team have volunteered their time to support the annual Adelaide Yalari fundraising dinner and tutor students.

Lipman Karas is committed to its relationship with Yalari and continuing its financial and in-kind support, and looks forward to observing the impact of Yalari’s scholarship program on the lives of the students, their families and the wider community.

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VOLUNTEERS In 2019, volunteers from all walks of life and professions generously donated their time and expertise to further Yalari’s work and to help our students be the best they can be.

We continue to work to ensure that both Yalari and our volunteers mutually benefit from the involvement of volunteering. We are constantly looking for new ways to engage and involve our volunteers, so they can further enrich and support our program while providing a relevant and engaging experience for them.

Thank you to all our wonderful volunteers who play a vital role in the ongoing success of Yalari’s programs and initiatives.

2019 Volunteering Snapshot Student Tutoring There were many generous people across the country who gave their time to tutor Yalari students.

Tutoring involves supporting the student, or group of students, to develop their skills and understanding of a particular subject. Yalari tutors provide expertise, experience and encouragement as they assist the student to identify issues, to problem solve and develop new skills.

Yalari Dinner Committees Our volunteer dinner committee members play in integral role in the organisation of Yalari’s dinners. In 2019, our dinner committees in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane did an outstanding job which contributed to the overall success of these events.

Yalari Dinners Each year, Yalari’s volunteer dinner crews perform an outstanding job across all the states, selling raffle tickets, hosting tables, assisting with the auctions and setting up and packing down. Simply, we cannot conduct our Yalari dinners without our volunteers. They play a major role in the fundraising activities on the night and contribute to the smooth operation of the event. A big thank you to all the individual volunteers and the organisations who coordinated their staff to help in 2019: Deloitte, Turner & Townsend, RPS Group, Herbert Smith Freehills, Walter & Eliza Hall Institute, Envato and Lipman Karas.

Board and Advisory Councils In 2019 we had seven board members, five of whom work on a voluntary basis alongside our Founding Director and Managing Director, offering their expertise to lead and guide Yalari’s strategic direction.

Members of the NSW Regional Advisory Council (established in 2018) have continued to work to increase awareness and support of Yalari within New South Wales. The council operates under the control and direction of the board.

Yalari Camps, Events and Administration Many wonderful people donated their time to volunteer at Yalari student camps and events. We also have a team of regular, dedicated people who helped us in an administrative capacity at the Yalari office.

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NADIA AND JANET’S FRIENDSHIP I love tutoring and have been tutored

by Janet from Year 7 to Year 12. Janet has helped immensely with my maths. I was failing maths in year 7 and now I’ve improved to an A . To be now passing in maths is a big achievement for me. Janet has also helped me grow as a person not just a student. She is an amazing person and tutor.

- Nadia Seriat, Yalari Year 11 student, St Margaret’s Anglican Girls’ School

It has been a great pleasure to tutor Tyeena and Nadia at St. Margaret’s. I have been tutoring the girls for about 5 years now and have watched them grow so much over that time. I mainly tutor them in maths and I know it is not their favourite subject but I think they are no longer frightened of numbers on a page and sometimes quite enjoy it. I enjoy it very much when I can see they are gaining understanding in the subject and their confidence grows. I am not a teacher but I feel I have enough skill to help the girls and encourage them in their studies. It has been very rewarding for me.

Yalari Alumni

- Janet Van Homrigh, Yalari Volunteer Tutor

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Active Volunteers ACTIVE VOLUNTEERS

Yalari alumni Shanice Flemming (left), Jayde Marshall and Della Bedford (right) volunteered at the 2019 Orientation Camp.

7,000+ Volunteer Hours VOLUNTEER HOURS

In 2019, the Yalari alumni increasingly contributed to the organisation. Giving hundreds of hours in volunteer time, alumni assisted Yalari in running all of its major events including camps and fundraising dinners, formed part of fundraising organising committees and they represented the organisation at speaking engagements and events throughout the year.

Alumni were also invaluable during the 2020 scholarship interview process, often travelling to remote areas of Australia to interview prospective scholars. We are humbled to see our alumni ‘giving back’ to create opportunities for the younger students.

Yalari’s National Volunteer State Awards Yalari is proud to be part of National Volunteer Week, a national movement to thank the six million Australians who volunteer their time to worthy causes.

In 2019, and as part of the celebrations, Yalari held its annual National Volunteer State Awards to recognise the considerable impact of our volunteers. Congratulations to our 2019 award winners who were nominated by their peers.

SERENA SEWARD VICTORIA

SHANICE FLEMMING WESTERN AUSTRALIA

SARAH CUNNINGHAM SOUTH AUSTRALIA

JEANNIE AUTY

NEW SOUTH WALES

DELLA BEDFORD ALUMNI

GLENDA BOTICA QUEENSLAND

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YALARI SPONSORS Yalari is hugely grateful to the many individuals, companies and organisations who choose to support us. Thank you for sharing in Yalari’s mission of creating opportunities for Indigenous children.

Yalari’s partners, donors and sponsors make a tangible difference in bringing about positive, sustainable change for Indigenous children and young adults by empowering them through education.

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GROUPS OF FRIENDS SPONSORING CHILDREN

INDIVIDUALS SPONSORING CHILDREN

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FOUNDATIONS & TRUSTS SPONSORING CHILDREN

OUR GENEROUS INDIVIDUALS AND FOUNDATIONS Alan and Liz Hay Allyson Stubbe Amanda Flynn Memorial Scholarship Amelia Eliza Holland Trust Andrew Keayes Australian Communities Foundation Bagot Gjergja Foundation Bryan Foundation Campbell Edwards Trust Claire Nontapan Smith Cody Foundation

Cowell Electric Colin and Leree Roden Croxley Foundation Dan Pittorino David Lyle David Matthews Doug Hall Foundation Earle Foundation Estate of Late Mona Birrell Fiona and Richard East Gailey Lazarus Foundation Gillian Johnson Geoffrey Davies AO

Grant and Linden Oliver Grosvenor Foundation H & J Davies Foundation Jane Gamble Johanne Brown J & M Wright Foundation Jordan Family Charitable Trust Josephine Ulrick and Win Schubert Diversity Foundation Judith Musgrave Family Foundation Leroy & Joy Brauer Charitable Trust

Lucy Godlee Luke Sullivan Mark Burgin Mia Foundation Moreton Bay College Nunn Dimos Foundation ‘Opportunity 12’ Patricia Matthews and Neville Sandford Paul and Judy Williams Peta Seymour Foundation RJDO Fund RO Fund

Rod Pearse Roger Grigg Rory Robertson Rosey Kids Foundation Sally and Ranald Ferrier Sarah Brockhoff Sarah Darling Scrimshaw Family Foundation Sinclair Charitable Trust Stan & Maureen Duke Foundation Steve and Di McCready Sue Chase

Richard Oliver AO Tony Jackson Toowoomba Grammar School Class of ‘84 Thyne Reid Foundation Trevor and Jan Olsen Vicki Hanman Vicki Standish Family Foundation

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Steve and Di’s Story Part of the Yalari family

B

ack in 2006, Di and I read a small article in The Australian about Waverley and Llew, and the birth of Yalari. I had grown up in PNG, and we had both lived and worked in Darwin in the early 70’s, visiting many missions and settlements on medical trips, so we had a personal interest in Indigenous welfare. We were passing through the Gold Coast on our way back from Sydney and made a spontaneous phone call, leading us to drop in for a coffee and a chat with Waverley and Llew. Needless to say, we were very impressed. Importantly for us, Yalari was an independent, private organisation with government support but not control. We arranged for Churchie to be involved from 2007 and have supported boys there ever since.

Having observed the soul-destroying scourge of passive welfare, it was refreshing to experience the gratitude Waverley expressed for the educational opportunity he had been given, and his passion to provide that for others. Very much a hand up, and not a hand out. Waverley and Llew stress this to all scholarship recipients who become part of the Yalari family, to understand and respect the opportunities that they have been given. The children go to the Yalari dinners and experience first hand the many people and organisations, and the expanding core of private benefactors, who support and care for them. This, and the embracing support during and beyond school, is what sets Yalari apart from other Indigenous education organisations.

We have been along for the ride, sometimes bumpy, and take considerable pride in the growth of Yalari which is underpinned by the warmth, humour, generosity and basic humanity of Llew and Waverley.

Very much a hand up, not a hand out. Waverley and Llew stress this to all scholarship recipients who become part of the Yalari family.

We feel that we are very much part of the family.

The Yalari journeys of students Emil Willie-Jawai (Year 8) and Noah Smith (Year 11) are made possible by the generosity of Di and Steve McCready.

STEVE McCREADY YALARI SCHOLARSHIP SPONSOR

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COMMUNITY GIVING We are constantly inspired by our community of generous and passionate supporters. You are the reason that, together, we can enact positive Indigenous change in Australia.

REGULAR GIVING

$158,789

Amount donated by our monthly supported.

GENERAL DONATIONS

$397,994

Amount raised throughout the year.

ENDOWMENT FUND

$56,638

Amount donated to creating an ongoing, perpetual source of funding for Yalari programs.

FUNDRAISING DINNERS

$314,675

In 2019, Yalari hosted fundraising dinners in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane.

At each dinner, attendees learned about Yalari through inspirational story-telling and genuine experiences. These events also gave us the opportunity to showcase the many wonderful achievements of the Yalari students and alumni.

BENEFICIARY EVENTS

$44,105

Thank you to the many individuals, companies and schools who hosted or participated in beneficiary fundraising events on behalf of Yalari.

WORKPLACE GIVING

$56,241 We are grateful to the many companies who support us, and their generous employees who donate to Yalari through workplace giving initiatives.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Alliance Airlines Davidson Recruitment.

Davidson Technology Deloitte Ernst & Young Findex Flight Centre Gift Fund Wishing Well Employees Herbert Smith Freehills Medibank Private NSW Government Office of Sport Pricewaterhouse Coopers Suncorp Group Sydney Water

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Supporting our community

A

t Clifford Chance, we aim to support our community by widening access to justice, finance and education. Providing access to education is a key pillar of our global Responsible Business Philosophy, and we are proud to support Yalari in advancing this

cause. We acknowledge the impactful work Yalari does to assist those most vulnerable in our community, through supporting Indigenous students in their educational journey.

Clifford Chance is delighted to be a corporate sponsor of Yalari. Last year, team members from the Clifford Chance Sydney office were very pleased to meet the recipient of our corporate sponsorship (Edie Robinson, a young student completing Grade 7) at the 2019 Yalari Sydney Dinner.

Three members of the Clifford Chance Sydney team, Alexandra Zhu, Tegan Kelly and Primrose Clarke have volunteered as Yalari Sydney Dinner Committee members. They look forward to helping create memorable and successful future Yalari dinners.

I am so grateful to be at such a wonderful school getting a good education. I would like to say thank you to everyone who is supporting me to be here.

EDIE ROBINSON YEAR 7 YALARI SCHOLAR - KINROSS WOLAROI SCHOOL

Edie’s Yalari journey is made possible by the generous support of Clifford Chance.

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FINANCIAL REPORT Strong financial management and continuous process improvement have helped us reach our operational goals. Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, donors and supporters, we continue to build on our strong financial position. This has been forged over many years of prudent governance and sound financial decision making.

In 2019, our surplus was $540,953, compared to $719,579 in 2018. This surplus will

PROGRAM EXPENDITURE

Revenue

be included in our reserves to be conservatively invested, with the returns from these investments further contributing to our revenue in future years.

2019

2018

$

$

7,089,515

7,113,953

Revenue of $7,089,515 was slightly below 2018 and program expenditure increased to $6,548,562 or 2.4% above 2018.

Our focus remains on our student based programs with over 70.2% of all expenditure spent on scholarship costs (including boarding and tuition), our student support program and the year level based student events. A further $344,188 was invested into our Pathways

Program Expenditure Scholarships

3,515,408

3,660,897

Student Support

787,174

781,404

Student Events

292,693

285,645

Pathways

344,188

284,279

Fundraising Events

264,139

349,099

Fundraising Operations

576,111

440,587

Business Services

768,849

592,463

Total Expenditure

6,548,562

6,394,374

540,953

719,579

Surplus for Year

program, providing guidance into employment, vocational and tertiary education, as well as giving opportunities for personal and leadership development.

The Mary Boydell Endowment Fund grew by over 25% from last year thanks to $50,860 in donations and $5,778 of investment returns reinvested into the fund. We are encouraged by the support towards the endowment program as we continue to build the fund into a sustainable and perpetual source of funding.

This information has been extracted from our annual audited financial statements. These have been filed with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) and are available on our website. The financial statements were given an unqualified opinion by our auditors.

45 Business Services 11.74%

Investment Returns 2.65%

Scholarships 53.68%

Fundraising Operations 8.80%

Other Income 3.98%

Sponsorships 29.89%

Fundraising Events 7.78%

Fundraising Events 4.03%

Donations 10.95%

EXPENDITURE

$6.548M

Pathways 5.26%

REVENUE

$7.089M

Student Events 4.47%

Student Support 12.02%

MARY BOYDELL ENDOWMENT FUND $250,000

$208,477

Commonwealth Grants 44.66%

$277,565

$220,927

$200,000 $150,000 $102,945

$100,000 Donations

$50,000

Earnings Balance

$0 2016

2017

2018

2019

DONATE

46

WAYS TO GIVE

It is only through the unparalleled generosity and support of the Yalari community that our students can continue to achieve positive outcomes for themselves, their families and their communities.

Thank you for supporting the education of Indigenous children and young people so they can learn, dream, achieve and succeed in life.

DONATE

MAKE A DONATION Make a tax-deductible donation to Yalari.

BECOME A REGULAR GIVER

LEAVE A GIFT IN YOUR WILL

Set up a regular giving arrangement which suits your situation.

Become part of a very special group of Yalari supporters who have chosen to leave a gift to Yalari in their Will.

IN-KIND DONATIONS Make a donation of goods or services in support of Yalari events or operations.

WORKPLACE GIVING

CONTRIBUTE TO THE MARY BOYDELL ENDOWMENT FUND

Arranged through your employer, you can choose to make a regular pre-tax donation through your weekly, fortnightly or monthly pay. Make a positive difference while you go about your daily work!

Be part of the long-term vision of Yalari by contributing to the Yalari endowment fund. These donations are particularly powerful as they deliver a dependable, perpetual source of funding.

FUNDRAISE FOR YALARI You can hold a fundraising event of your choice where the proceeds are donated to Yalari. Have fun with friends while supporting a good cause!

Yalari alumnus Denzel Tighe’s Yalari journey (Riverview - Class of 2013) was made possible by the Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation. In 2019, Denzel graduated from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor of Arts: Major of Indigenous Studies.

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VOLUNTEER VOLUNTEERING

TUTORING

Volunteering roles range from one-off events to long term commitments.

Help a Yalari student, or group of students, develop their skills and understanding of a particular subject.

SPONSOR SPONSOR STUDENT SUPPORT

SPONSOR A STUDENT CAMP OR YALARI EVENT

Students are in need of text books, school uniforms, compulsory excursions and camps etc.

Yalari hosts several events throughout the year including student support camps, fundraising activities and corporate events. We highly value the commitment of each Yalari partner and customise sponsorships to be mutually beneficial.

SPONSOR A SCHOLARSHIP

Sponsoring one of our events provides you with a unique and exciting opportunity to connect with the Yalari community, build brand awareness and show your support for an important cause.

You can choose to sponsor a scholarship for an Indigenous child to attend one of our partner schools.

Above: Shauna Dhagapan is a Year 10 student at John Paul College whose Yalari journey is made possible by the Australian Government.

Pictured with Kirsty Faichen, Partner at Herbert Smith Freehills.

Jye Peters is a Year 8 student at Sydney Church of England Grammar School, Sydney.

His Yalari journey is made possible by the generosity of Findex .

Pictured with John Thompson, Partner at Crowe Australia (affiliate of Findex).

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I TRULY BELIEVE THE EDUCATION AND SUPPORT THAT YALARI PROVIDES IS THE BEST WAY I CAN INVEST IN OUR FUTURE SOCIETY.

On retirement, I felt passionately about passing on the good fortune that comes with education and I began researching scholarships for indigenous girls as part of some estate planning. Sometimes the stars are aligned, and my husband John and I could not believe our luck to find out that his cousin, Wally Boydell and his talented wife Mary Boydell were so involved with Yalari. Mary Boydell was the Chair of the Yalari Board at the time. So John and I joined Mary and Wally at our first Yalari dinner in 2016. What an inspiration!

sponsor a Yalari scholar, and we were delighted to meet Mackenzie for the first time at the next Yalari dinner we attended in 2017. It was during her first year at Abbotsleigh School for Girls. Each year, it is an absolute delight to see Mackenzie transforming into the mature young woman she has become, and to know that she has a bright future ahead, in whichever path she has the freedom to choose. I truly believe the education and support that Yalari provides is the best way I can invest in our future society, and in special people like Mackenzie.

“Education as the practice of freedom” is a philosophy which underpinned my work as an occupational therapy educator and academic manager at the University of Sydney. This idea is based on the work of Paolo Friere. “There is no time like the present” is another of my philosophies, so John and I decided to

- JANE GAMBLE YALARI SUPPORTER

John Smith, Mackenzie Hyde and Jane Gamble at the 2019 Yalari Sydney Dinner.

Mackenzie’s Yalari journey is made possible by the generous support of Jane Gamble.

THANK YOU Thank you to all supporters who share in Yalari’s mission of creating opportunities for Indigenous children and young people.

Thank you for being part of the Yalari family and for making real change happen.

I love being involved with Yalari because it matters. It matters for the Indigenous children, their families and communities, and it matters for Australia. Yalari is making a practical difference with the gift of education and empowerment.

MARY BOYDELL IN MEMORIAM: 1952-2019

Former Chair of the Yalari Board, Mary Boydell has left an indelible mark on all of us at Yalari.

We are incredibly grateful for her commitment, support, integrity and grace.

Educating Indigenous Children

®

CONTACT US Postal address: PO Box 1355 Oxenford QLD 4210 Design, layout and content: Yalari communications team.

Featured artwork by Yalari alumnus, Kane Brunjes (2016 - Toowoomba Grammar School). Kane’s artwork is available for purchase at www.birrunga.com.au/kane-brunjes-catalogue.

Cover image: Year 12 Yalari scholars and St Margaret’s Anglican Girls’ School students, Tyeena Pang (left) and Nadia Seriat. Tyeena’s Yalari journey is made possible by the Judith Musgrave Family Foundation and Nadia’s journey is generously supported by Trevor and Jan Olsen.

E-mail/Web: info@yalari.org www.yalari.org Phone: (07) 5665 8688

© Yalari Limited 2019. All rights reserved.

ACN 113 794 148 | ABN 66 113 794 148 Disclaimer: All efforts have been made to ensure the information contained in this document is accurate at time of printing.