Yalari News December 2016

NEWS

Issue 34 | December 2016

Educating Indigenous Children

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E D U C AT I N G A N D E M P O W E R I N G I N D I G E N O U S C H I L D R E N

YALARI NEWSROOM

Great Southern Grammar School Student and MC at Yalari’s Adelaide Dinner, Tramaine Laterre and Waverley Stanley

FOUNDING DIRECTOR Educating Indigenous Children

®

Yalari is a not-for-profit organisation that offers quality, secondary education scholarships at leading Australian boarding schools for Indigenous children from regional, rural and remote communities.

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

Our vision is to provide trusted, quality educational opportunities for Indigenous children to achieve positive outcomes for themselves and their families and make valuable contributions as Australians.

Core Values: Respect, Compassion, Resilience, Openness, Inclusiveness.

www.yalari.org YALARI LIMITED PO BOX 1355 Oxenford QLD 4210 P: 07 5665 8688 F: 07 5665 8611 E: info@yalari.org W: www.yalari.org ABN: 66 113 794 148 ACN: 113 794 148 Yalari is a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee.

The 2016 school year is over for our students and young adults.

Congratulations to our 32 Yalari Year 12 graduates, who now step out into a world full of opportunities, new learnings, personal growth, overcoming challenges and finding a purpose that will contribute positively to this great country. The two most important days in our lives are the day that we were born and the day we find out why. Best of luck, from the Yalari family.

There have been a number of ‘firsts’ for Yalari this year.

1. The Yalari Alumni Association has been established with support from Heather Watson from McCullough Robertson. 25 Alumni met at Lendlease offices in Sydney two weeks ago to select an interim management committee.

2. We have employed our first Yalari Alumni as Student Support Officer.

Jazz De Busch will be looking after the girls in Melbourne while she continues her tertiary studies at Melbourne University.

3. We have established our first state based Regional Council in NSW, Chaired by long term supporter John Campbell. These Councils have been set up to help provide support with the long term growth of Yalari and our strategic goals and plans. Further Councils will be established in Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth in 2017.

I am very grateful and thankful every moment for the “job description” I have at Yalari. I am blessed to have met so many wonderful people, companies and foundations who believe that we are making a difference.

Thanks very much to everyone who has been involved, volunteered, attended our functions, provided support to our children and young adults, and been a friend of Yalari. Your time is valued, your commitment is cherished and most of all we are sincerely grateful each and everyday for your generosity.

Best wishes for a happy and relaxing holiday season and we look forward to seeing you all in 2017.

Copyright © 2016 Yalari Limited. All rights reserved.

The information contained in this newsletter is for general information purposes only. The opinions and interpretations expressed within are those of the author only and may not reflect those of other identified parties. Every effort is made to ensure that information is accurate at time of printing.

Cover Image: St Hilda’s School student, Jada Davui 2 • Yalari Quarterly Newsletter - December 2016 • www.yalari.org

‘It always seems impossible until it is done.’

Nelson Mandela

go tyson!

FAREWELL,

OUR FRIENDS

Mrs Ashley-Cooper Head of School, The Glennie School Farewell to Mrs Wendy Ashley-Cooper who is retiring as Head of School at The Glennie School after 15 years of service. Mrs Ashley-Cooper has been passionate about, and supportive of, Yalari since first offering two places to Yalari Scholarship students in 2006.

“It has been a privilege to partner with Yalari during these past ten years” Wendy remarks, “we have seen many girls thrive and grow as both Yalari students and Glennie girls,” she says.

Tyson Holloway-Clarke, who is currently serving as the UMSU President and Student Representative-Elect for University Council at The University of Melbourne, has also received the Leadership Award at the Indigenous Students Awards Night.

Mrs Poole Headmistress Abbotsleigh One of the legacies Mrs Poole is most proud of is the establishment of the Indigenous Scholarships program.

Abbotsleigh welcomed its first Yalari scholarship students in 2008 and since then, Abbotsleigh and the Foundation, working in partnership with Yalari have enabled 19 Indigenous girls to gain an Abbotsleigh education.

“Our partnership with Yalari has enriched Abbotsleigh and our Indigenous scholars in unexpected ways. As a school, our awareness of Aboriginal people and the social issues around Aboriginal people has been heightened,” Mrs Poole said.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Mr Peter Crawley Principal, St Hilda’s School Principal of St Hilda’s School on the Gold Coast, Mr Peter Crawley will retire after an expansive career, including 11 years at St Hilda’s.

The culture of acceptance, tolerance and intellectuality was fostered under his leadership and the academic and cultural achievement continues to flourish at the school.

FAREWELL AND GOODLUCK TO ALL LEAVING AND RETIRING PRINCIPALS AND SCHOOL STAFF. THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING YALARI AND ITS STUDENTS.

Yalari scholars Jade, Chelsea, Kaleesha, Alanah and Makayla from Kinross Wolaroi School are getting ready to say goodbye for the end of the school year.

Mr Brian Kennelly Principal, Kinross Wolaroi School After almost ten years, Mr Brian Kennelly is leaving the position of Principal at Kinross Walaroi School. Mr Kennelly has made significant achievements inside and outside the school, and Yalari is grateful to have had his support with the students.

Upcoming Yalari events and student activities.

DECEMBER

19

Yalari Head Office closes for Christmas Break

JANUARY

ST AUGUSTINE’S CAIRNS GRADUATION On Friday, 18 November the Saints community celebrated the graduation of their Class of 2016.

It was a very special occasion as Yalari scholar and 2016 College Captain, Nathan Geno left the confines of the college grounds.

Also farewelled was Nelson Foster another Yalari Scholarship recipient and 2016 College House Captain.

The day was a fitting celebration for the efforts of the two Yalari scholars who successfully completed Year 12 and their Yalari scholarships.

03 09

Yalari Head Office reopens 2018 Scholarship Applications Open Years 7 & 8 Orientation Camp on the Gold Coast: 9th-13th Jan.

Do you have a story you would like to share?

If you would like to submit a story, provide feedback, share some photos or have any questions regarding our publication, please contact Alison MacKenzie - comms@yalari.org. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter! We will keep you up-to-date on everything that’s happening within the Yalari community!

Yalari Quarterly Newsletter - December 2016 • www.yalari.org • 3

YALARI NEWSROOM Hayley Hunt

Selected in the Under 15’s John Paul College Basketball Team playing at the Australian School Championships in Melbourne.

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS

2017 ends on a high for these Yalari Scholars!

Tekishea Murrungun

Rekisha Satour

Marnie Jones

Awarded the Bellbird Encouragement Award for her year at Kambala Speech Day.

Secured a scholarship to study at Bond University in 2017.

Secured a scholarship to study at Bond University in 2017.

Kiara Davies

Taleyah Hippi

Monique Laurie

Monique Mallyer

Presented with the Drama Award and the Boarder Captain Award at St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School, Brisbane

Matao Bonney

Awarded the Gerald House Cultural Awareness Award at Churchie.

Jondayah Martin Elected to the leadership position of School Sacristan for 2017 at St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School, Brisbane.

Appointed the Head of Service role on the Boarding Committee at Abbotsleigh.

Recipient of the Kambala All Round Achievement Award at Speech Day.

Johanna Loban

Zarleigh Jones Elected Nangara House Sporting Captain for 2017 at Calrossy.

Jara Duroux

job well done!

Selected into the ‘Firsts’ Touch Football Team at Kambala.

Presented with the Year 7 Encouragement Award at St Hilda’s Speech Night.

Rhiannon Revell-Blair

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Connor Cubby

Awarded the Goodwin House Old Boys Effort Award at Churchie.

• Member of the Qld Volleyball team that went to Nationals.

• Crowd-funded the cost of the trip herself.

• Most consistent volleyball player at St Margaret’s, awarded on Speech night.

Selected in the Indigenous National Rugby Team from which students will be chosen for youth national games in the 2017 National School Girls Rugby League Tour to New Zealand.

• QLD Indigenous AFL team that went to Nationals and was chosen for the Woomera’s team for the next stage in AFL. • Most improved sports person at St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School, awarded on Speech night.

4 • Yalari Quarterly Newsletter - December 2016 • www.yalari.org

Lachlan Toovey

Awarded the Goodwin House Old Boys Effort Award at Churchie.

2018 Yarryn Lewington

Age Champion Runner-Up for School Athletics at Toowoomba Grammar School.

Geoffrey Swan

Ratu Davui

Completed the Silver Level Business Leadership Passport Program at TSS.

SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS

Awarded a scholarship to complete a Diploma of Business in 2017 at TSS.

DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO WOULD LIKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO RECEIVE A QUALITY BOARDING SCHOOL EDUCATION? Keriba Bligh

Awarded a scholarship to complete a Diploma of Business in 2017 at TSS.

Angel Miller

Selected for 2017 South Australian Aboriginal Sports Training Academy Elite Netball Program.

• • •

Kia Arndt

Awarded most valuable basketball player at St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School.

Shahleena Martin

Selected for Global Alliance for Innovative Learning (GAIL) and will be travelling to South Africa in 2017.

Kealey Griffiths

Awarded a full pocket for her academic achievement at St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School Honours Award at Speech night for outstanding academic achievement One of only two distinctions on the National Science competition in her year

Cheyanne Baker

Elected Middle School Captain for Douglas House 2017 at Scotch College Adelaide.

Syrana Glenn

Sopheena Toovey

Received an Academic Achievement Award at St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School.

A recent graduate of PLC Armidale, Syrana’s HSC music performance was selected for the Regional Encore Concert (a selection the best of the HSC music performances) to be held in Coffs Harbour in 2017.

Yalari is looking for students and families who believe that education is the key to providing a better future for Indigenous people in Australia.

Boarding school scholarships are open to Indigenous children who live in regional, rural or remote areas of Australia and whose first year of secondary school will be in 2018.

Our scholarships are awarded to students who are willing to give 100%, try hard at everything they do, don’t give up when things get hard and are brave and determined enough to succeed at boarding school. We work closely with our partner schools and families to provide a high level of support in the program in all aspects of student welfare.

Scholarship applications for the year commencing 2018 are available online at www.yalari.org from Tuesday, 3 January 2017. Applications will remain open until Sunday, 30 April 2017.

Not sure what to do or have some questions?

Please call Kylie Bennett on (07) 5665 8688 and she will be happy to talk you through the application process.

Yalari Quarterly Newsletter - December 2016 • www.yalari.org • 5

YALARI STUDENT SUPPORT PROGRAM

student interviews

The last few months have been jam-packed for the Student Support Team who have spent much of their time travelling around Australia in search of the 2017 intake of new scholars.

Waverley, Llew, Karen and Gary have travelled the expanse of the country; from Newman in the Pilbara region of Western Australia to Gapuwiyak in Arnhem Land, the Torres Straits, Gipsland in Victoria and everywhere in between!

This year, we received over 100 applications and are pleased to announce that 47 children will be starting their scholarship with Yalari next year.

The new scholars have already visited their boarding school and uniform orders are underway!

year 12 pathways workshop Four of Yalari’s Year 12 students (Reggie and Nara from Scotch College Adelaide and Michelle and Rekisha from Great Southern Grammar School) recently participated in a workshop structured and coordinated by staff at Lipman Karas in Adelaide.

The workshop provided an opportunity for students to gain

advice on goal setting, interview techniques and resume writing, vital skills they will need over the coming months.

Thank you to Lorraine, Julia, Megan, Jacqui and Miranda for so generously donating your time and resources to help our students succeed.

Left to right: Megan (Lipman Karas) Reggie, Rekisha, Nara, Lorraine (Lipman Karas) and Michelle 6 • Yalari Quarterly Newsletter - December 2016 • www.yalari.org

art excursion A handful of Yalari students were recently treated to a trip to Brisbane’s FireWorks Gallery where they had the opportunity to meet owner and artist, Michael Eather.

FireWorks Gallery is known for exhibiting and promoting artworks by some of Australia’s best contemporary artists. Artworks are sourced from across Australia and showcased through exhibitions that are built featuring contemporary works from established and emerging artists, Indigenous and non-Indigenous.

The art enthusiasts were taken on a tour of the gallery and spoke with Michael about opportunities in the industry. They were given advice on how they should develop their own style of painting based on who they are and what is important to them.

Yalari students Chelsea, Kane, Isaac, Jacob, Kaci and Jemmah left the gallery feeling inspired with renewed passion about their art.

Thank you to Michael Eather and FireWorks Gallery for welcoming the students to your gallery and for your offer of ongoing support.

Soaking up the culture: St Margaret’s students Kaci Loban (left) and Jemmah Ronsen (right)

gold coast beach day Students from Toowoomba Grammar School, SCOTS PGC, St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School, St Hilda’s, John Paul College and Churchie turn out for beach day fun at Main Beach.

7 • Yalari Quarterly Newsletter - December 2016 • www.yalari.org

The Gold Coast turned on a spectacular day for Yalari’s south-east Queensland students who managed to squeeze in a last minute catch-up prior to the school holidays.

The day was filled with lots of swimming, ball sports and general relaxation.

The students were accompanied by the Student Support Team (Barry, Daniel, Jane, Tawnee and Gary) who lit up the BBQ for a well earned sausage sanga!

Yalari Quarterly Newsletter - December 2016 • www.yalari.org • 7

YALARI VOLUNTEERS

LANGPORTS LEGENDS

About Langports Langports operates high quality English Language Colleges in Brisbane, Gold Coast and Sydney.

Langports Foundation first became involved with Yalari when they sponsored a child in 2010. Since then, the France Family and Langports have extended their generosity to include mentoring and tutoring of Yalari children, and also volunteering their staff and students for Yalari activities and events.

John France (CEO and Founder of Langports), his wife Susie France and their family (Jake, Anna and Connie), have all been instrumental in supporting Yalari and actively shaping the lives of young Indigenous Australians.

Offering innovative and unique courses, Langports’ staff continuously provide a high standard of education and student services. Langports has been awarded ‘Best Language School in Australia’ for 5 years 2011 -2015.

Here is just a snapshot of how this humble, giving and visionary family have made a positive difference to the Yalari students, and to Yalari as a whole.

Langport’s students help with the Yalari Newsletter mail-out, involving folding newsletters and stuffing envelopes. They have been generously undertaking this task four times per year for several years.

About Susie France recently attended Yalari Year 12 student, Chelsea Ryan’s graduation from The Glennie School, even acting as ‘Chauffeur’ on the day!

John and Susie have welcomed many Yalari students (and their families) to their home in Brisbane. They recently hosted Chelsea’s 18th Birthday party.

They also invited Chelsea’s family to stay and transported them to Toowoomba to attend Chelsea’s graduation.

Langpor ts has volunteered their time to many Yalari events over the years including Yalari’s fundraising dinners. Recently, 13 wonderful Langports students volunteered to help fundraise for Yalari at the Broncos home game at Suncorp Stadium during the footy season.

“We are pleased to be associated with Yalari and to support the promotion of Indigenous culture to our staff and students.” John France, CEO of The Langports Group.

Educating Indigenous Children

®

Proud partners of Indigenous education since 2010

Have you ever thought about volunteering?

The Langports Foundation

The Langports Foundation is making a difference to the lives of many disadvantaged children by providing them with educational opportunities.

Funds are raised by donations from Langports Sydney, Langports Publications, Langports Brisbane and Langports Gold Coast, their Members and fundraising events organised by Langports Brisbane, Langports Gold Coast and Langports Sydney’s staff and students.

The Langports Foundation has sponsored three Yalari children and supported and mentored countless others.

Over the years, Susie has volunteered her time to regularly tutor students in their studies.

In 2014, Langports hosted an International Language School Conference in Brisbane where they fundraised for and showcased Yalari and Indigenous culture.

Volunteering at Yalari provides a meaningful way to make a difference. If you have ever considered volunteering and would like more information, please email our Volunteer Coordinator, Pam Boavida at pboavida@yalari.org or call (07) 5665 8688.

8 • Yalari Quarterly Newsletter - December 2016 • www.yalari.org

YALARI PARTNER SCHOOL

SCOTS PGC Principal, Mr Simon Shepherd with 2017 new scholar Thalia Saunders and mum, Lesa Saunders.

Beau Kendall

GREAT SCOT!

2017 new scholar, Kenny Jacks Inset: Tyran Petrie, Photos L to R: Tyran (cricket), Beau (rugby), Tyran with Barry and Beau

FIVE MORE YALARI SCHOLARS ON THEIR WAY TO WARWICK...

SCOTS PGC College is a unique school. It is situated in the regional city of Warwick in Southeast Queensland and while students are offered every opportunity they can get in the city, they also enjoy the space and open sky scape of the country. Most notably, students are able to foster all of the best of country values: resilience, mateship, initiative, empathy and respect to name a few.

The SCOTS PGC journey with Yalari began this year with the arrival of two Year 7 boys, Beau Kendall and Tyran Petrie.

“Both boys have made huge contributions to the College already and they are making the most of every opportunity,” says Mr Simon Shepherd, SCOTS PGC College Principal.

In 2017, SCOTS PGC will welcome a further five Yalari students into the College. Kenny, Bryoni and Thalia are from communities in the far northwest of outback Queensland, and Blade and Felicity come from

Mungindi, a small town on the Qld/NSW border.

to ensure the best chance of success for the scholars.

“This school is just awesome,” Thalia remarked while on a recent visit to SCOTS PGC. “How do I make the rest of the year go quickly so I can come back and start here sooner?” she asked.

“Over the course of the year we have all enjoyed the company of Barry as he has come to visit the boys. He has been welcomed into our College community and somehow all of the junior boarders think Barry is there for them too, a testament to his personality,” explains Mr Shepherd.

There is no doubt that with role models like Beau and Tyran they will all have the best chance of succeeding at boarding school.

With one year already ‘under his belt’, Tyran has some advice for the new comers.

“Just keep your head down and do your work, and if you get home sick come and tell me and Beau and we’ll try and help you out. Keep your mind to what you want to do and you might just get there one day.”

The seven students next year can also find support in the form of Yalari’s Student Support Officer (SSO), Barry Lee. Barry offers the students, their families and the school an extra level of support and advice

Educating Indigenous Children

Keen to welcome the newcomers in 2017, Mr Shepherd admits he looks forward to working with any student who wants to be at school and whose parents want them to learn and succeed.

“This combined effort by all involved reminds me of the words of Nelson Mandela, that: ‘it takes a village to raise a child’. Our school community is truly a village and we strive to help all our students predict their futures by creating them,” he says. “Yalari truly is an altruistic organisation.”

®

Working together since 2016 to educate and empower Indigenous children Yalari Quarterly Newsletter - December 2016 • www.yalari.org • 9

EVENTS: YALARI FUNDRAISING DINNERS

yalari fundraising dinners student achievements, raisi

Nelson Foster (Yr 12 St Augustine’s College Cairns) received the Herbert Smith Freehills Resilience & Tenacity Award.

The program included Yalari student speaker, Matao Bonney, a Year 7 student at Anglican Church Grammar School. Matao spoke about his Yalari journey thus far, his hopes for the future and how his education at Churchie will help him achieve his goals.

brisbane

Y

alari’s annual Brisbane Dinner is an exciting, flagship event on the Yalari social calendar and this year was no exception!

With over 500 guests gathering at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on Friday 21st October, the scene was set for another wonderful night of Yalari storytelling.

Also in attendance were 42 Yalari scholars from our partnership schools in Queensland, all eager to participate in the program and mingle with the guests.

This year we had a record number of corporate tables representing a broad range of sectors. Thank you all for your support and contribution to Yalari.

Thank you to our event partners Hentley Farm, Epic Private Journeys, Loud Events, Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre and Greyhound Australia. It is your ongoing and generous support that contributes to the overall success of Yalari events.

Yalari Fundraising Dinners offer the perfect opportunity to acknowledge those students who have best demonstrated the qualities of Leadership and Resilience.

The Resilience Award is given for demonstrating the qualities of strength, courage and an enduring spirit.

The Leadership Award for is given for demonstrating the qualities of commitment, strength of character, integrity and inspiration.

St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School Year 9 student, Sophia Mene, received the Herbert Smith Freehills Leadership Award.

Thank you to the volunteers, speakers and entertainers, the Brisbane Dinner Committee, and those who generously donated prizes for our auctions and raffles. We thank our Event Partners: Hentley Farm, Epic Private Journeys, Loud Events, Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre and Greyhound Australia. Thanks also to those who purchased corporate tables: Queensland Treasury Corporation, Davidson Recruitment, Jobtrail, Workpac Group, Ord Minnett, St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School, BlueSky, PathLinc, Lendlease, Talbot Sayer Lawyers, Herbert Smith Freehills, Deloitte and Batch Mewing Lawyers.

10 • Yalari Quarterly Newsletter - December 2016 • www.yalari.org

s... spreading the word about yalari, celebrating ing some money and catching up with friends!

adelaide A

delaide’s wet weather on Saturday, 12 November did not dampen the spirits of the 300 guests who arrived at the National Wine Centre of Australia to attend Yalari’s 6th Adelaide Dinner.

Petah Woods (Great Southern Grammar School) was awarded the Lipman Karas Resilience Award

We were once again honoured to have Aboriginal elder, Major ‘Moogy’ Sumner in attendance to perform the smoking ceremony and Welcome to Country.

Major Sumner’s presence set the atmosphere for what was to be a magical and inspiring night.

It was wonderful to see the close-knit contingent of Yalari’s South Australian supporters come out in force and we were equally delighted to see many new faces, keen to share in the Yalari story.

St Peter’s College student Adan Taat delivered a heartfelt speech, made more emotional given his Dad and little brother were in the audience. Adan’s brother Scott, will start in Year 7 at St Peter’s College next year.

It is owing only to the remarkable support of the South Australian community, this was once again an enjoyable and worthy event.

Yalari humbly thanks everyone who was involved in making this event a success.

Scotch College Student Reggie Madden was awarded the Lipman Karas Leadership & Tenacity Award.

Cheyanne Baker (Scotch College) and Tramaine Laterre (Great Southern Grammar School) acted as Masters of Ceremonies for the evening, keeping the proceedings professionally on track!

Sandra Paterson Photography

We thank our Adelaide Dinner Event Partners: Hentley Farm, Epic Private Journeys, Sandra Paterson Photography, National Wine Centre of Australia and Greyhound Australia. Thanks also to those who purchased corporate tables: Hentley Farm, Lendlease, Babcock, Lipman Karas, Hames Sharley and Qattro.

Thank you to the volunteers, speakers and entertainers, the Adelaide Dinner Committee, and those who generously donated prizes for our auctions and raffles.

Yalari Quarterly Newsletter - December 2016 • www.yalari.org • 11

YALARI PATHWAYS & ALUMNI PROGRAM

Waverley and Llew with the crew from Lendlease

Lendlease corporate logo / Gradient GRADIENT (CMYK / RGB)

CORPORATE LOGO - GRADIENT (CMYK / RGB)

Ashley Hudson and Danika Green

The Lendlease corporate logo consists of three gradients which have been crafted and artworked, these colour values and gradient angles should never be changed or altered.

When using the Lendlease corporate logo the gradient option shown on the right should be used across all applications where possible.

In instances where print applications reproduce a poor digital print e.g. drink bottles, or where digital print is not an option e.g. hard hats, then an option to use solid colour (PMS) is allowed as a last resort.

Please contact Group Marketing for guidance.

PROUD TO BE AN ALUMNI!

INAUGURAL ALUMNI CONFERENCE C55 M0 Y100 K0 R145 G240 B10 #91F00A

On Saturday, 19th November, the very first Yalari Alumni Association Conference got underway. The conference focused on how best to develop the newly formed Alumni Association and how its members can continue to represent and support each other and Yalari.

Attendees arrived in Sydney on the Friday evening and caught up over a casual dinner at Nick’s Bar and Grill. It was great to not only welcome Yalari’s Alumni and staff, but also have Yalari’s friends from Lendlease and IT Newcom there, who support the Alumni Program.

Proceedings got underway bright and early on Saturday, commencing with a nostalgic and inspiring speech by Yalari’s Founding

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Director, Waverley Stanley.

“This is a very important day for me and for Yalari,” he said. “We’ve all been on this journey together and share the vision to continue to support Yalari.”

The 24 Alumni in attendance were a mixture of graduates and former students from different year groups. Throughout the course of the day, ideas were work-shopped and lots of discussions held.

After a hard day of work, the night ended at Strike Bowling for a well-deserved game of tenpin bowling and delicious pizza.

The following morning, it was straight back into where they left off. An action plan was created, names allocated to jobs,

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Larissa Woosup

key aims identified and objectives for the management committee and focus groups were formed.

“I am overwhelmed with how much we achieved with such little time,” said Event Coordinator and Alumna, Taneale Lawton.

“More information will be presented in due course but one vision we all agreed on is the continuing support we, as Alumni, can provide to our current and future students.

If we can do it, YOU can do it!” she said.

Thank you to everyone involved in making the event a success. In particular, to the event sponsor Lendlease for use of their wonderful facilities and to McCullough Robertson, for assisting in drafting the Association’s Terms of Reference.

ANNOUNCING...

The Yalari Alumni Association Interim Management Committee President Tyson Holloway-Clarke

Will Munro

Secretary Taneale Lawton

Treasurer Allira Searle

Ashley Hudson

12 • Yalari Quarterly Newsletter - December 2016 • www.yalari.org

Jazz De Busch

Ian Brown

Lizzie Mitchell

Townson Uta

WILL MUNRO:

William Munro is an Alumnus of Yalari, graduating from the Anglican Church Grammar School (Churchie) in 2012.

Born in Moree, New South Wales, Will spent the majority of his childhood and teenage years residing in Boggabilla, New South Wales.

It was in this town in 2005 that Will learnt about boarding schools with programs catering specifically for Indigenous students.

It’s great to catch up! Zac, Peter, Lizzie and Bevan

“At first I was hesitant to take up the offer, being very close to my family,” Will explains.

After attending the Toowoomba Preparatory School in 2006, Will had the opportunity to meet Waverley Stanley, the Founding Director of Yalari, to discuss his high school options.

“In 2008, I started on my journey at Churchie and I have never looked back!”

In the four years that have passed since his graduation, Will has been studying at university; first in Primary Education and currently as a Psychology student.

Getting ready for brainstorming over a casual dinner!

“Throughout my time with Yalari they have been a constant source of support and love that very few can match; as close to family for their scholars as they could be,” Will says.

Will reveals the difficulties in finding paid work while being a university student.

Lara Briggs and Chelsea Oliver

About our

Pathways Program The Yalari Pathways Program provides a formal structure of support and guidance for Yalari students before and after they finish their secondary school education to assist in their transition to higher education, vocational training and employment.

The program includes a structured approach for students, families and schools to facilitate improved understandings of career pathways and the benefits of planning the transition beyond school. The program includes: •

Career guidance, in conjunction with school staff, in Years 11, 12 and beyond;

•

Tertiary scholarships and support;

•

Work experience, internships and mentoring.

“As part of the Yalari Alumni, I have had the opportunity to speak to representatives from large companies with extensive Indigenous programs. I am currently working with Accor Hotels, at the Ibis Styles Hotel in inner city Brisbane as a bar and food attendant. It’s because of Yalari that I was put into contact with their representative and it has been such a critical part of my life these past few months,” Will explains When Will finishes his Bachelor of Psychological Science degree, he hopes to set up his own counselling service in a major city, such as Brisbane or Sydney, catering particularly to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

SHELDYN BRIGGS: Sheldyn Briggs is one of the newest members of the growing Yalari Alumni having recently graduated from Abbotsleigh.

“Yalari’s Pathways Program has provided me with many opportunities which will ultimately help me post Year 12,” Sheldyn explains. “They have work placements, internships, uni advice and are just there to help you, especially if you are stuck and not too sure what you want to do once you finish school.”

Sheldyn first contacted Yalari’s Pathways Coordinator, Helen after reading a post online. “I have since attended a conference with the Accor hotels managers, had an interview and I have been invited back for a trial run,” she reveals. “Helen also told me about ‘career trackers’, a business that sets up internships pre university and during university holidays.”

Sheldyn is excited to be undertaking an Internship at Westpac over the coming weeks. Well done and good luck Sheldyn!

Yalari Quarterly Newsletter - December 2016 • www.yalari.org • 13

YALARI PARTNERSHIPS

A VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU

TO OUR SPONSORS, DONORS AND SUPPORTERS 2016 has been another remarkable year in the life of Yalari and its students. Since Yalari first began, the goodwill and financial contributions of Yalari supporters has been integral to the success of the organisation.

There are so many ways that people and companies support Yalari. They donate, volunteer, become a partner, fundraise or leave a bequest, just to name a few!

All of these ways are equally as important as the other. Each contributes to the education and empowerment of the next generation of Indigenous young Australians.

On behalf of the board, staff and students of Yalari, we thank you for your ongoing commitment to Yalari and for believing that education is the key to generational change and a brighter future.

WORKPLACE GIVING

WARRIORS!

We are very grateful to the companies and individuals who chose to support Yalari through their workplace giving programs in 2016.

Workplace giving is where employees donate regular amounts to a charity from their pre-tax pay. Employees often don’t even miss this amount but it makes a huge difference to children on the Yalari program!

Thank you for helping make a difference to the lives of Indigenous children while you go about your daily work.

How you have MADE A DIFFERENCE

$44,389.83

Workplace giving donations are vital, covering important but often unfunded student activities. Over the past five years, workplace donations have contributed to the success of Yalari camps, personal development activities, student support and even school uniforms and books. Larger workplace donations through third-party fundraising have directly sponsored children’s full scholarships.

Thank you to all our workplace givers for 2016: Davidson Recruitment, Deloitte, News Corp Australia, USB Australia Foundation, Alliance Airlines, Ernst & Young, Herbert Smith Freehills, Medibank, National Australia Bank, PWC Australia, QBE and Suncorp Group.

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Workplace giving is one of the most effective and consistent ways to support the causes we’re passionate about. It helps boost staff morale as we become part of a bigger purpose by being able to give back to the community. Most companies also dollar-match our contributions, so it’s the best bang for our pre-tax buck!

- Stephanie Ho - Deloitte employee.

14 • Yalari Quarterly Newsletter - December 2016 • www.yalari.org

OUT? P L E H O T WANT Are you interested in starting a workplace giving program in your office or place of work?

There are many benefits to both employers and employees! If you would like to find out more, please contact Jenni Heenan on (07) 5665 8588 or email fundraisingmanager@yalari.org.

YALARI DINNER

DONATIONS

Event partners Hentley Farm, kindly donated wine to all four dinners, four thank you events and also donated dinner prizes of two eightperson lunches at Hentley Farm Winery.

Yalari hosts four fundraising dinners per year in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide. Each dinner is a unique experience of quality food & entertainment and gives Yalari the opportunity to showcase the work it does with Indigenous young people across the country as well as raise funds to educate and empower Indigenous children.

The success of these dinners is largely weighted on the donations we receive to be auctioned on the night and the hours of assistance given by our volunteers.

We would like to thank everyone who has donated to our dinners in any way this year and give notable mention to the following companies.

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

Long time friends of Yalari, Epic Private Journeys donated three African Safaris and an assortment of other holidays for auctions and raffles. www.epicprivatejourneys.com

Don Holt from Delmore Gallery donates a painting to each Yalari Dinner.

Herbert Smith Freehills generously provided 48 volunteers across three Yalari Dinners this year. They were also the Event Major Partner for the Sydney Dinner.

Deloitte has provided 17 volunteers across two Yalari Dinners this year.

www.delmoregallery.com.au

www.hsf.com.au

www.deloitte.com.au

Greyhound Australia provide complimentary cargo and passenger freight all year round. www.greyhound.com.au

Fireworks Gallery donated several pieces of art work to the Brisbane Dinner.

www.fireworksgallery.com.au

Yalari wishes you and your family a safe and happy holiday season.

Educating Indigenous Children®

Yalari Quarterly Newsletter - December 2016 • www.yalari.org • 15

An education opens the door to a world of opportunities.

There is no greater gift than providing a child with an education that will last a life time.

Make a donation to Yalari and know that you are empowering Indigenous children through education and helping bring about generational change.

Donations can be made online at www.yalari.org or by completing the form below. Completed forms can be emailed to info@yalari.org or posted to PO Box 1355, Oxenford Qld 4210.

To discuss ideas about how you can help Yalari or to make a bequest, please contact us on (07) 5665 8688.

161 2 YAL NE WS

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I w o u l d l i ke to donate Amount: Gifts over $2 are tax deductible.

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MY DETAILS ARE:

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Home Ph: Email:

STAY CONNECTED

Email

CHOOSE A METHOD OF PAYMENT OPTION A: CREDIT CARD

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To d ay ’ s d a t e : Cardholder’s Name:

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OPTION B: DIRECT DEPOSIT MasterCard

Ya l a r i L i m i t e d We s t p a c B a n k BSB: 034-154 Acc: 2 0174 0 Ref: 161 2 Yo u r s u r n a m e

OPTION C: CHEQUE

Signature:

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Address:

I w o u l d l i ke t o r e c e i v e r e g u l a r u p d a t e s b y :

Expir y Date:

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Please make cheques payable t o Ya l a r i L i m i t e d Cheques can be posted to: PO Box 1355 OX E N F O R D Q L D 4 210