Koby Sellings: Yalari Alumnus

“My name is Koby Sellings and I am a proud Gunaikurnai man from Lakes Entrance in South-East Victoria. I started at Geelong Grammar School in 2013 and graduated in 2018 with the honour of being Yalari Valedictorian and Perry (my boarding house) Vice Captain. I am currently studying a Bachelor of Education (Primary) at Deakin University in Waurn Ponds.

The Yalari scholarship gave me so many opportunities to explore different aspects of Australia and various places within our country. It also gave me the opportunity to create relationships that have impacted me and the way I go about things.

To Alan and Liz Hay, I couldn’t be more honoured and grateful to have such amazing sponsors supporting me throughout my journey. Thank you.

To everyone behind the scenes at Yalari, your work definitely does not go unappreciated and I am very grateful for all of the work that you have done, making an indelible impact on our lives. We are grateful and thank you very much.

Being on the scholarship helped shape parts of who I am today, along with my family and friends. People should support Yalari because it is a life-changing opportunity for young Indigenous leaders to show everyone how amazing they are. There are “hidden gems” in remote and rural areas of Australia that no one knows about and Yalari is helping give them the opportunity to shine.”

Thank you.

Koby's Yalari journey was made possible by the generous support of John & Liz Hay.

From the bottom of my heart, as a parent, I cannot thank you enough. To Waverley and Llew — you are the most caring, kind, compassionate and giving people I have ever met. Not only for the work you do to help the younger generation, but by welcoming them into your home and heart as family. I could never thank you enough for what you have done for Koby and Jaycee.

To the amazing staff, volunteers and sponsors: words cannot express how grateful we are for the hard work you put in for our kids to help keep Yalari going. You really are changing the lives of Indigenous children in this country.”

I am honoured to be able to give back to Yalari and the younger generation of students. Thank you.

Della Bedford is a Yalari alumna who graduated from Geelong Grammar School in 2016. Her Yalari journey was made possible by The Australian Government.