Acknowledgement ofCountry
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 Turrbal and Jagera people as the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we meet today.
We also acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we work Australia-wide and recognise their culture, heritage and beliefs.
Foundingdirectorsmessage
Welcome everyone to our 20th Anniversary Gala Dinner in Brisbane. Our dinners here always feel like home to me, I’m a Queenslander through and through. The wider community of Queensland have made our students, their families and Yalari feel incredibly welcome and at home. That’s exactly what a young 12-year-old Indigenous child needs to feel when they travel hundreds, sometimes thousands of miles from their home community and family; that they are welcome, cared for, safe and have a home away from home.
It takes a committed and generous community to support our Yalari students and alumni to flourish and thrive. Queensland is that community. Thank you to our 10 partner schools, to the donors, to the volunteer and pro bono professionals and to all those who care and believe in Yalari.
We have a wonderful evening planned for you tonight. You’ll hear from our students and our alumni. There’ll be good food and wine, entertainment and great company.
Strangers become friends, and friends become family.
Many thanks to all.
Waverley Stanley AM Founding Director, Yalari
The first three boarding students start at Toowoomba Grammar School and The Glennie School. Yalari’s inaugural fundraising dinner in Sydney raises in excess of $300,000.
25 new students receive Yalari scholarships.
Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation becomes Yalari’s first major partner.
Yalari celebrates its 5th birthday!
The Federal Government awards the administration of part of its Indigenous Youth Leadership Program to Yalari, adding 66 transitioning students and a further nine schools to our program.
Powderfinger, one of Australia’s most successful rock bands, supports Yalari throughout their ‘Sunsets’ farewell tour of Australia in late 2010.
17 Yalari students graduate Year 12.
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Yalari was established on 13 April 2005 by Waverley Stanley, his wife Llew Mullins and a group of like-minded and generous supporters.
Yalari was assisted with startup funding and support from AVCAL (Australian Venture Capital Association Limited) and DEEWR (Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations).
13 new scholarship recipients start at six different boarding schools around Australia.
The inaugural Yalari Orientation Camp was held at Tallebudgera on the Gold Coast.
PBI (Public Benevolent Institution) endorsement by the Australian Tax Office.
Yalari raises in excess of $1M through private and corporate donations.
Yalari offers a further 34 students scholarships through its partner schools.
Waverley Stanley is named Ernst & Young’s Social Entrepreneur of the Year (Nth Region).
The first Year 9 Central Australia Camps were held.
Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, accepts the patronage of Yalari and attends the annual Brisbane Fundraising Dinner.
2011
Inaugural Commemorative Walk to Cherbourg.
Yalari’s head office is devastated by fire. The Gold Coast Titans NRL Club generously donate office space and the Yalari community rallies to get us back on our feet.
2012
The Yalari office is relocated to Siganto Drive, Helensvale.
Waverley travels to South Africa for his Churchill Fellowship.
2014
2013
25 students graduate Year 12.
2015
Yalari celebrates its 10th Birthday! Yalari has 173 scholars and 137 graduates.
28 partner schools across Australia and 28 students graduate Year 12.
celebrating20 wonderfulyearsofYalari
Inaugural Yalari Captaincies.
Inaugural Yalari National Volunteer Awards.
21 students graduate Year 12.
2016
Yalari has 184 scholars and over 300 alumni.
33 students graduate Year 12.
2018 2019
2017
Yalari is featured on ABC’s Australian Story.
46 new scholars start their Yalari journey.
Yalari celebrates its 15th Birthday with over 200 scholars and nearly 400 alumni.
2020
has 229 scholars and over 445 alumni.
26 students graduate Year 12.
674 scholarships awarded to date.
2022
2021
Waverley Stanley is recognised in the Australia Day Honours List and was appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for “significant service to the Indigenous community thorough support of education.”
Warrior Spirit Camp held in conjunction with 9RQR for our alumni at Ennogera, Queensland.
First two alumni appointed to the Yalari board, Kyol Blakeney and Ebonie SadlerSmall.
Alumni gathering at Government House in Canberra with the Governor General of Australia.
2024
2023
Yalari purchased its head office in Helensvale, Gold Coast.
Yalari holds its first Sponsors and Alumni Camp to Central Australia.
2025
Celebrating 20 years with over 250 scholars and close to 600 alumni in partnership with 20 schools.
Yalari
EventPartners
CorporateTables
Program
Opening Performance
Acknowledgement of Country
Master of Ceremonies
Governor of Queensland Address
Kiyoshi Nakata-Binjuda
Alynah Henriksen
Mahalia Noah
Meyah Proberts-Pittman
Rachyl Cameron
Will Munro
Her Excellency The Honourable Doctor Jeannette Young AC PSM
Student Speaker Taygen Walker
DINNER BREAK
Entertainment Torres Strait Islander Dancers
Student Achievement Awards
Student Speaker
DESSERT BREAK
Yalari Video Presentation
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer
Origin Energy
Erika Freebairn
Founding Director Address Waverley Stanley AM
Live Auction Haesley Cush
Raffle Draw
Guestspeakers
Master of Ceremonies
Rachyl Cameron
Rachyl is a proud Torres Strait Islander woman with connections to Badu and Mua Island and the Kemer Kemer Meriam Nation in the Eastern Islands. After graduating from St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School in 2015, Rachyl completed a Bachelors of Human Services and has held various roles in government, including at the Department of Youth Justice.
She currently works as a Project Officer at Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Protection Peak (QATSICPP), where she is grateful to play a role in designing important programs for families and communities, alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community controlled organisations.
Master of Ceremonies
Will Munro
Will is a proud Gomeroi man from Moree, by way of Boggabilla NSW. He graduated from the Anglican Church Grammar School in 2012.
Will is currently working as a Client Services Coordinator for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service (ATSILS) with plans to study and eventually work in Civil Law, specifically within Family Law.
Student Speaker
Taygen Walker
Taygen Walker is a proud 13-year-old Bundjalung and Dunghutti boy from South Grafton, New South Wales. Born and raised on Bundjalung country, Taygen’s family origins trace back to Baryulgil, just an hour from Grafton, where his father, Troy Walker, grew up.
Taygen is a natural leader and role model among his peers. He was Captain of South Grafton Public School, a role in which he thrived, guiding and supporting his school community with integrity and confidence.
Taygen is beginning his journey at Scots PGC in Warwick, where he plans to focus on agriculture studies. His dream is to one day return home to Baryulgil and work at Yulgilbar Station, continuing a proud connection to country. He hopes to keep his Indigenous heritage strong, give back to his community, and make his family (especially his mum) proud.
Student Speaker
Erika Freebairn
Erika is a proud Torres Strait Islander from Hammond and Moa Island - her mother’s side of the family are Dorante’s descended from Wassada and Santiago Dorante from the Philippines (some of the Filipinos migrated to the islands for work and a new home). Her father’s side are the Freebairns from a small place called Young in NSW.
Erika was born in Nambour and moved to Kirirri Island (Hammond Island) in the Torres Strait Islands to learn her mother’s culture.
Erika attended primary school on Hammond Island and is currently in Year 12 at The Glennie School and is the Boarding Captain. She enjoys going to the gym, playing volleyball and spending quality time with her friends.
TICKETS: 1 = $20 | 3 = $50 | 7 = $100
1st Prize luxurybrisbanestaycation
Value $1,432
Prize includes:
• Overnight stay at The Calile Hotel in a poolside room, with breakfast and valet parking included.
• $100 Same Same restaurant voucher.
• $500 Calexico shopping voucher.
• Hentley Farm - Blanc de Noir Sparkling White.
2nd Prize
appleipadair11-inch
256GB, WiFi & Cellular.
Value $1,199
Kindly donated by:
Kindly donated by:
3nd
Prize verveportraits
voucher
Value $1,095
Personalised photography session and your favourite image presented on a 51cm x 39cm art frame.
Kindly donated by:
4th Prize penfoldsgrange2008
Value $1,000
Grange is arguably Australia’s most celebrated wine and is officially listed as a Heritage Icon of South Australia. Grange boasts an unbroken line of vintages from the experimental 1951 and clearly demonstrates the synergy between Shiraz and the soils and climates of South Australia.
Kindly donated by: Jacqui and Rob Wootton on behalf of
5th Prize racvvoucher
Value $1,000
Kindly donated by:
TwoDecadesofImpact
A recent social impact study conducted in partnership with the Centre for Social Impact (CSI) at the University of Western Australia highlighted Yalari’s unique ability to support students to thrive academically and personally, while staying deeply connected to their cultural identity. The study found that for those surveyed:
99% of students transition to university, further education or employment after graduation.
95% of students feel supported in their learning journey.
87% of students feel motivated to do well in school.
81% of students feel more connected to their culture thanks to Yalari’s support.
95% of alumni say Yalari inspired them to be a role model for their family and community.
The result is a growing network of educated, confident Indigenous leaders who are driving positive change for their families, communities, and future generations.
Together, we’re building a brighter future which allows Indigenous young people to write their own future in a nation where we all stand together as equals.
Silentauction
1 SCAN THE QR CODE
Scan the QR code or text yalaribris followed by full name to 0458 678 678 . If you have a shared device, see note below
2 VIEW ITEMS
Take your time exploring all the exciting items up for grabs.
3 BID
See something you like? Place a bid or make a purchase quickly and easily.
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 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
LiveAuction
Lot 1
8nighttruenorthcruise for2guests
Value $17,990
Kindly donated by:
Prepare for a voyage that redefines the meaning of a ‘trip down the coast’. Discover the endless beaches that skirt Cape Le Grand, the wonders of Bremer Bay Canyon and flavours of Margaret River, both on your plate and in your glass.
Over 8 incredible nights, you’ll sail from the stunning beaches of Esperance to the iconic port of Fremantle, exploring hidden gems along the way that few get to experience. Departing 22–30 January 2026 from Perth, enjoy an Ocean Class Cabin stay, inclusive of meals and activities including swimming with dolphins.
Terms and conditions apply. Cruise activities that occur additional charges, such as helicopter flights are not included. Alcoholic beverages are charged on consumption.
LiveAuction
Lot 2 Indigenousartwork bookriver
byjoannecurrienalingu
Value $14,000
Dimensions: 110 x 160cm. Material: Acrylic on canvas. Commissioned for the 20th anniversary of Yalari.
About the painting:
Kindly donated by:
Earlier this year I sat down with Yalari’s Founder Waverley. We spoke about the history of Yalari, it’s achievements over 20 years and how it originally started from ideas whilst sitting under a bough shelter in the bush. My education also started in the bush, growing up next to a river. Painting my stories has given me a direction to take me through life, and something to pass on to my kids and grandkids.
This painting, Book River, sees the water lines drifting over the shadows, like rippling pages from an ever flowing book of knowledge… and that’s how I see Yalari growing and growing and expanding in the future for the kids.
About the artist:
In 2008, Joanne won the prestigious Wynne Prize for landscape and more recently QAGOMA purchased a 6-meter major work, following other major works acquired by Sunshine Coast Regional Council, Museum of Brisbane and University of Queensland Art Museum.
LiveAuction
Lot 3
Kindly donated by:
7nightsafarifor2peopleinbotswana
Value $52,000
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.
This prize includes a 7-night safari experience for two people in Botswana featuring:
• 3 nights at Jack’s Camp in the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans.
• 3 nights at Tawana Camp in the Okavango Delta.
• 1 night at the Intercontinental Hotel in Johannesburg.
All accommodation includes meals, selected beverages, daily game drives and park fees. The package also covers:
• Round-trip regional flights between Johannesburg and Maun (economy class).
• Shared light aircraft transfers between camps within Botswana.
Terms and conditions apply. Subject to availability. This prize is valid for travel from 1 Sept 2025 to 31 Dec 2026. (Excludes peak season 1 July to 31 Aug 2026).
Partnerwithus
With the support of generous and like-minded individuals and organisations, for 20 years Yalari has created educational opportunities for over 800 Indigenous young people.
We’d love to have you join us on this journey.
DONATE TO YALARI
Make a one-off donation or become a regular donor.
HELP YALARI BUILD FOR THE FUTURE
The Yalari Foundation, home to the Mary Boydell Fund, was established to ensure Yalari’s long-term sustainability. It creates a source of dependable and enduring funding, allowing Yalari to support generations of Indigenous children. Endowed Scholarship opportunities are now available.
SPONSORSHIP
Become a sponsor of one of our students, alumni or camps.
VOLUNTEER WITH US
Support Yalari as a volunteer to provide assistance with student tutoring, event support, or join our Sydney Dinner Committee.
GIFT IN WILL
While looking after your family and loved ones always comes first, we are grateful for your consideration of an investment into shaping the future of an Indigenous child through education.
FOR MORE INFORMATION please reach out to Ruth Knight at rknight@yalari.org or on (07) 5665 8688.
PowerofTen10 friends, one future.
We believe it takes a community to educate a child. Join forces with your friends and change the future of an Indigenous child.
Here’s how it works:
You and 9 of your friends decide you want to make a positive difference to Indigenous education in Australia.
Each friend pledges a tax deductible, yearly contribution of $2,000 for 6 years.
Your combined donation of $20,000 per year, means one child will receive tuition and boarding for their secondary education.
We invite you to join us to change not just individual lives, but families and the wider Australian community for generations to come.
Thankyou
Yalari gratefully acknowledges the dedication of everyone who has contributed to the 20th Anniversary 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 youth around Australia the past 20 years and beyond.
BrisbaneDinnerCommittee
Brad Horn
Janet Van Homrigh
Miranda Dunning
Nini Lu
Priscilla Matters
Rob McConnel
Ted McArdle
Lou Wilson (Chair)
Tim Wilson
Trish Matthews
Auction&RaffleDonors
AA Pest Management
Aesop Pacific Fair
Agnes Wood Fired Restaurant
Anyday
Auto & General
Australia Zoo
Australian 7’s
Bluey’s World
Bodyworx Sports Osteopathy
Brisbane Airport
Brisbane Broncos
Brisbane Lions
Brisbane Powerhouse
Brookfield
Bunnings
Calexico
Cauldron Distillery
Courtney Clauss
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Dean Saffron
Discovery Parks
Diviners Distillery
Dreamtime Kullilla-Art
Elephant in the Room Consulting
Epic Expeditions
Fireworks Gallery
Fox in a Box Brisbane
Gold Coast Titans
Go-To Skincare
Hannah Ranby Artwork
Hentley Farm Wines
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer
Hilton Surfers Paradise
Hotel X
Indigiearth
Jacqui and Rob Wootton
Jardin
Jewels For Generosity
Jorgi Owers
Koh Living
Leree Roden
Leonie Flynn & Anthony Kirk
Library for All
MAARA Collective
Matthew FitzGerald
Photography kindly provided by
Melinda Hallam
Mez Sheahan
Mumread
Natalie Marie Jewellery
Nini Lu
Ocean Shores Country Club
Olea of Monemvasia
Open House
Peppers Salt Resort & Spa
Penguin Random House
Prada
Pullman Brisbane
QPAC
Queensland Symphony Orchestra
Queensland Theatre
RACV
Ringers Western
Robina Town Centre
Rufus King Seafoods
Samsonite
Science of Fitness
Sit Down Comedy Club
Soak
Stephanies Spa Retreat
Supercars Championship
Suncorp
Surf In Paradise
Ted McArdle
Telstra
The Bathhouse Albion
The Calile Hotel
The Somewhere Co
The Star Entertainment Group
Trade Mutt
True North Cruises
Tyrrell’s Wines
Urban Xtreme
Urshula Clark-Jacky & Tori Bartz
Verve Portraits
Wally Boydell
Wesley Taylor Art Studios
Wild Earth
Wheel of Brisbane
Yarn’n
