Yalari News June 2016

NEWS

Issue 32 | June 2016

Educating Indigenous Children

®

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

(L to R): Mary Boydell (Yalari Chairman), His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Ret’d), Mrs Linda Hurley, Waverley Stanley, Aidan Bestwick (Year 11, Scots College Sydney)

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.

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.

May 27 to June 3 was Reconciliation Week throughout Australia. This one week in the Australian calendar is where we are encouraged as Australians to join in activities to promote reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

Yalari is about reconciliation in action every day.

Throughout the celebrations, sharing and honesty at our Sydney fundraising dinner, there was a palpable feeling of reconciliation.

The staff at our partnership boarding schools who are supporting, educating and mentoring our Indigenous children are putting reconciliation into action every day.

Our Yalari Board of Directors, our Yalari staff, our volunteers, dinner committee members, our Yalari champions, sponsors, donors, supporters, our Yalari family and our Yalari children are putting reconciliation into action every day.

For Llew and I, as Managing Directors of Yalari, we are putting reconciliation into action every day without consciously being aware of it.

Every single person that has played a part in our Yalari journey so far is about action.

I encourage you to read John Baxter’s and Calvin Hunter’s words and thoughts around reconciliation (refer pages 4 & 5). Here are two young men with the confidence and courage to speak about their ideas and feelings, and two young men who are making a difference to their school communities.

Nelson Mandela said, “young people are capable, when aroused, of bringing down the towers of oppression and raising the banners of freedom.”

Yalari students, you are capable of freedom.

Education is freedom. It’s your freedom, your family’s freedom and this country’s freedom.

2017 scholars, get ready!

As you many be aware, Yalari’s 2017 scholarship applications closed on 30 April. We were excited to again receive a large number of applications from all over Australia and are currently in the review process.

We would like to thank all students and families who have applied and look forward to meeting our future Yalari scholars over the coming months.

Cover Image: Year 12 Geelong Grammar School student, Jayde Marshall.

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Congratulations Tye! Tye Bedford, Year 11 Yalari scholar at Saints Peter’s College in Adelaide has been working extremely hard within the football community in South Australia to reach his ultimate goal - playing representative AFL. Tye started playing in the 1st XVIII football team in Year 9 for Saints and also played on a Sunday for local Unley Jets Football Club. He joined the Aboriginal AFL Academy in 2016 which provides both football and educational opportunities. Tye has also been playing for the U18’s Sturt team, before college football commences.

His commitment and motivation has been outstanding and as a result, Tye has been selected to play for state football. He was picked for the initial squad of 45 players in the SA Under-18s.

Tye was last year named the Inaugural Yalari Captain for Saints, a role bestowed to those who display leadership, responsible behaviour and being a sound role model for other students.

Yalari® has made its mark…

Trade Mark that is!

Educating Indigenous Children

®

Effective 12 April 2016 the word Yalari® and our logo are officially registered with the Trade Mark Office for Classes 25, 36, 41 and 45.

In 2015 as we celebrated 10 years of operations, we felt we should take steps to protect the name and logo of Yalari and the goodwill that has been established with our students, their families, our partnership schools, sponsors and donors.

In July last year, we started to investigate what was needed if we were to trade mark our logo and name with reviewing the history of Yalari’s logo, ensuring that the word and imagery wasn’t being used by others and determining what trade mark classes we felt best reflected the work that we did.

With the wonderful assistance of the Brisbane team at McCullough Robertson Lawyers our applications to register the ‘Yalari’ word and our logo were filed with IP Australia on 9 September 2015. We are now protected for the next 10 years against unauthorised use of our name and logo.

Leading by example We were highly delighted to read the following email from a member of the public regarding Toowoomba Grammar School students, Jacob and Isaac Burgoyne.

“I’m not one to ever write letters to schools, but I feel this encounter really needs voicing!

It seems we live in a world of constant complaint and criticism but that’s the exact opposite for the reason behind my email.

To shed some light on the situation…. My family had just been to the Rugby Reds game in Brisbane last Saturday when we were standing on the platform at Milton waiting for the train back to Indooropilly. My 9 year old son recognised two young teenagers in their Saints jerseys and walked up to introduce himself. He extended his hand and immediately the two teenagers shook it, knelt down and began to talk to him. In turn, I was so impressed with how they spoke to my son I asked them what they had been doing at the game. They went on to explain they were mentors for the ‘Modified Rugby” program.

I’m sure it wouldn’t be hard for you to guess twin boys in Year 10 named Jacob and Isaac . I was absolutely delighted to meet such well mannered, courteous young men.

When I asked one of them “why did he want to participate in this program” he replied “Well we just have to give back, don’t we?”

We have no connection with Toowoomba Grammar School at all but I just felt strongly about letting you know these two boys are fantastic ambassadors for your school and I wanted to commend them for the way they behaved. I would also love it if you could pass on to their parents how impressed we were!

You should be very proud of your school if this is the representation out in the wider community and if this is the calibre of students you educate at TGS, I’m very impressed. It would certainly be a school we would look at for our son in the near future.”

It is with great pleasure that Yalari invites you to

BREAKFAST with Wayne Bennett Brisbane Broncos Coach, Wayne Bennett will be

sharing his story of self confidence, loyalty and what it takes to be a winner in life.

Proudly supported by The Tattersalls Club Brisbane.

Educating Indigenous Children Date: Venue: Time: Cost: Dress:

®

Wednesday, 20 July 2016 Tattersall’s Club, 215 Queen Street, Brisbane 6:45am arrival for 7:00am start $50 per person Business Attire

Book online at www.yalari.org/waynes-breakfast.php Yalari Quarterly Newsletter - June 2016 • www.yalari.org • 3

YALARI NEWSROOM

RECONCILIATION

UPCOMING EVENTS Upcoming Yalari events and student activities.

JUNE

24

Year 9 Girls Central Australia Camp

JULY

03 20

Year 9 Boys Central Australia Camp Breakfast with Wayne Bennett

AUGUST

25

Yalari Melbourne Fundraising Dinner Back: Kiara, Shanelle, Monique Front: Kayla, Tekeshea, Taleyah

RECONCILIATION WEEK REFLECTION

by Geelong Grammar School Year 11 Student, John Baxter

The following is John’s address to the crowd before the AFL game between Scotch College Melbourne and Geelong Grammar School during the Indigenous round.

“If you are not aware, the 27th of May was the start of Reconciliation Week.

A week to reflect on the negativity of the past, but to also look forward to resolving conflict by being compatible towards one another as Australian citizens.

Reconciliation is about unity and respect between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and the non-Indigenous people of Australia. It is a week to value justice and equality for not only Indigenous Australians, but for all Australians of every race and culture.

In the past there have been divisions between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, divisions caused by a lack of respect, knowledge and understanding.

The reconciliation movement aims to close the gap between the two, to unite one another so that we as Australians can stand as one.

It is said that the Reconciliation movement began with the 1967 referendum. The referendum established citizenship and the right to vote for all Indigenous Australians. Before that referendum, Indigenous Australians were considered Flora and Fauna. This means that we were considered to be no more important than the plants and animals of Australia.

Since the referendum we have seen significant progress, and although it is a step towards what we want to achieve, there are still numerous problems in remote Indigenous areas that need to be resolved.

So this week, let us all reflect on achievements so far, and focus on what must still be done in terms of reconciling our country for the better.

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As an Indigenous student at Geelong Grammar I strongly encourage schools and communities to embrace the chance to learn a bit about our culture. Go home and discuss these matters with family, because with understanding, we can all benefit.

Prominent Aboriginal and Yorta Yorta man Sir Douglas Nicholls once said, “When you play a piano you can play the white keys on their own, and you play the black keys on their own - but to achieve absolute harmony, you have to play both keys together.” This quote represents Reconciliation as a whole.

In order to achieve absolute harmony, we must have the same approach as Sir Doug Nicholls. It starts with everyone in the room today. Every single one of you are future leaders, and you have the power to determine the future of our country. Remember, reconciliation begins with you.”

WEEK 2016 First class filmmaking

27 May - 3 June (L to R): Quilon, Calvin and Adan

Congratulations to our six Yalari Kambala students who have won first prize in the 2016 Pauline McLeod Youth Award for Reconciliation for their short film One People, One Voice.

The Award recognises silent achieving 12-24 year olds who have worked diligently to promote reconciliation through selfless acts.

“It felt good that our message was heard by people who are Indigenous and nonIndigenous,” Kiara Sutton, 13, said.

The girls agreed that it was important to educate society about their culture.

“Just because of the colour of our skin, it doesn’t mean we have a different lifestyle, that we don’t live in a proper house,” said Monique Laurie, 14. “We are all the same.”

About

RECONCILIATION WEEK Reconciliation is about building better relationships between the wider Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for the benefit of all Australians.

STANDING UP FOR RECONCILIATION

Year 10 student Calvin Hunter, delivers an impassioned speech about respect, acknowledgement and recognition to his school, St Peter’s College Adelaide.

“This afternoon we gather on the traditional lands for the Kaurna people and we respect their spiritual relationship with their Country. We also acknowledge the Kaurna people as the traditional custodians of the Adelaide region and that their cultural and heritage beliefs are still as important to the living Kaurna people today.

For those who don’t know me, my name is Calvin Hunter and I am a descendant of the Yamatji and Nyikina tribes. I feel privileged to stand here in front of you all, as a proud Aboriginal student at Saints to discuss Reconciliation.

Reconciliation is about achieving recognition, respect and change for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples... but ultimately it seeks to improve Australia as a nation.

To create positive change we need more people talking about the issues and coming up with innovative ideas and actions that make a difference.

Prior to the 1967 referendum, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples were considered Flora and Fauna within The Australian constitution which meant Indigenous Australians were not counted in the census, or allowed basic rights many take for granted such as voting. In our schooling we learn of racist practices that occurred in other countries such as America, for example their slavery practices. But rarely are we taught that such practices occurred here in Australia, with many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders engaged in hard labour; and instead of being paid cash for their labour, they were given rations of flour, sugar and tobacco. Whilst such practices are now in our past, Australia as a nation still has so far to go.

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is celebrated across Australia each year between 27 May and 3 June. The dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey— the anniversaries of the successful 1967 referendum and the High Court Mabo decision.

I doubt that anyone here has experienced walking into a shop in Rundle Mall, and being followed by security purely on the bases of their appearance and skin colour. I have. As an Aboriginal person, you constantly face racism, often hidden. Police follow without reason, Child Services investigate your families and many of your family members don’t live past the age of 65. When I turn on the TV, I don’t see my people positively represented, often the images shown by the media show Aboriginal people in a negative light despite our many achievements, which often go unrecognised.

The week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements and to explore how each of us can join the national reconciliation effort.

Australia has a long way to go to achieving true Reconciliation. Reconciliation is about respecting and acknowledging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first peoples of Australia. It is about acknowledging the past (the invasion, wars and massacres) and the ongoing affects of colonisation (high incarceration rates, gap in life expectancy, lower educational outcomes).

Reconciliation is a shared journey, but it’s not about walking in my shoes because I’m not sure that you could. Reconciliation is about unity and respect between Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous Australia”.

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YALARI STUDENT SUPPORT PROGRAM

STRENGTH IN NUMBERS! THE POWER OF SUPPORTING EACH OTHER

By Gary O’Brien, Student Development Officer Gold Coast Beach Day

At Yalari we understand the power and importance of our students creating and maintaining support networks and we believe absolutely that our students should support each other. We endeavour to build the links between our students to create a strong, cohesive and supportive group of students who look out for each other and encourage each other through to graduation, and even beyond through our recently formed Yalari Alumni Association. Yalari students come from 123 towns and communities nationwide so there is plenty to share, learn and discover about each other.

New students first meet at our annual Orientation camp in the year they start the scholarship. Students are encouraged to keep in contact after the camp and throughout the year. Friendships are renewed when these students return to Orientation camp at the start of their second year, where they also welcome the new students for that year. In Year 9 we take our students on boys and girls Outback camps. Feedback about this camp is overwhelmingly positive – students say that it is the pinnacle of feeling ‘connected’ to Yalari and each other. Camps and workshops in the senior years are designed to keep students focussed on their future aspirations, but also focussed on maintaining the bonds they have formed with each other in their younger years.

We see great value in connecting Yalari students together on a regular basis in the cities where they are studying. Our network of Student Support Officers (SSO’s) frequently bring Yalari students together to catch up and support each other.

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Visit to the Blue Mountains

Gary cooking up a storm!

Sheldyn, Toby and Alyssa

Sometimes we need someone to simply be there.. not to fix anything or do anything in particular but just to let us know we are supported and cared about.

Sydney Park Day

Georgia, Tyesha and Jessicah

Sydney Dinner catch-up!

Gold Coast Beach Day: Isaac, Toby, Jacob, Matao, Connor (with Tyran in the background!)

During April Yalari students in Sydney got together for a BBQ and some footy in St Leonards Park. This was a great opportunity for students from St Ignatius Riverview, Abbotsleigh, Kambala and The Sydney Church of England Grammar School (Shore) to catch up. More recently, our SSO for Sydney, Jess Calo drove a number of Yalari students from Kambala and Abbotsleigh to the Blue Mountains to meet with student from Kinross Wolaroi School who had been driven down by Liz Hayes, our Student Support Officer for ACT and Regional NSW.

Yalari students who have shown excellent leadership skills and have the drive to improve the bonds between Yalari students and their school community.

In South East Queensland we recently had a beach day which has become a welcomed bi-annual event on the Yalari Calendar. It was exciting to have students attend from St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School Brisbane, Anglican Church Grammar School Brisbane (Churchie), The Glennie School, Toowoomba Grammar School, Scots PGC Warwick, St Hilda’s Gold Coast and John Paul College.

We want to see strong, connected and proud Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young men and women graduate from their boarding schools and remain active and supportive Yalari Alumni for life.

We continue to build on the support base for students, as we strongly believe in the long term benefits such efforts will provide.

Students also have opportunities to catch up at the Yalari Fundraiser Dinners held in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Brisbane each year.

To support the students to support each other we select a number of Yalari Captains each year. These are outstanding

Ali and Trey at the Sydney Park Day Yalari Quarterly Newsletter - June 2016 • www.yalari.org • 7

YALARI STUDENT SUPPORT PROGRAM

Year 12 PATHWAYS Workshop WORKSHOP PROVIDES SKILLS FOR THE FUTURE In April, Yalari partners Herbert Smith Freehills hosted two workshops for Yalari’s Year 12 students. Attending in either Brisbane or Sydney, students were given the opportunity to learn vital skills including how to cope with university, study skills, interview techniques and how to manage financially.

“Students gain insight as to what life might be like after school,” Karen Harvey, Yalari’s Student Support Manager says.

“It’s important they understand how to approach ‘the job of getting a job’. This means having a resume, undertaking job searches and attending interviews.”

The workshops also provide an opportunity for students to think, discuss and map what their next steps might be; perhaps undertaking further study or entering the workforce.

“Students need to know how and when to apply for uni, how to search for courses

From the Students

and how to find scholarship opportunities that may be available to them,” Karen explains.

Also discussed were other options including apprenticeship/traineeships, internships, financial considerations and finally paperwork and moving onto being young adults.

“They also really gained insight from the personal journeys that were shared with them,” Karen added.

Following the workshops, students reported that they felt more comfortable and confident about their plans moving forward. For this year group, it will be the last time they will be together as Yalari scholars before their graduation in August.

We would like to once again thank our partners, Herbert Smith Freehills for giving up their time and resources to assist the final year students in their transition to tertiary education and employment.

I learnt about....

“...interview skills and really loved having the mock interview. It taught me how little details can really make a difference in an interview.” “...future planning, cover letters and resumes, listening to other people’s stories and realising that it is very possible. Learning about all options available to me.” “...after school options such as internships, apprenticeships, scholarships, process of going to uni, and how to cope financially was extremely helpful.”

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Brisbane Workshop

YALARI VOLUNTEERS

Yalari National Volunteer Awards 2016

Yalari is truly powered by our 215 active volunteers; in 2015 they donated more than 9000 hours of their valuable time, energy and resources.

As part of National Volunteer Week (9-15 May), and to recognise their considerable impact, we’re excited to announce the Inaugural Yalari Volunteer Awards. Throughout April, Yalari employees elected the nominees before a judging panel selected a winner from each state.

We would like to celebrate the contribution of all our nominees: Melanie Harris, Nat Felkl, Fairlie Delbridge, Sandra Paterson, Marianne Edmonds, Deb Scott, Cheryl Pilbeam, Maria Van Brussel, Edwina Campbell, Chris Farnsworth, Sue Rosen, Lisa Steven, and John Bolton.

And the winners are... is integral to Yalari’s Victorian Sandra Paterson South Australia John operations acting in multiple roles from Sandra is a professional photographer and mother of two. Her passion for educating children drove her to volunteer for Yalari and started by driving Adelaide boarders to appointments.

Chair of the Melbourne Dinner Committee to promoting Yalari across business, school and philanthropic communities.

“When I first meet them, they’re young kids with big, round eyes and it’s all new but over time they seem to grow into confident adults,” Sandra reveals.

Nicole Brennan

“In the next 10-15 years, Yalari is going to have an enormous effect on the relations between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in Australia as these graduates start entering the professional realm. And that’s fantastic.”

Now, as Secretary of the Adelaide Dinner Committee, she’s integral in garnering support for the event and even offers her photography services free on the night.

“Every year after the dinner I just say ‘yeah, I’m coming back’. It’s seeing the kids, the opportunities they’re having and seeing them grabbing hold of them that excites me.”

John Bolton

Victoria At 88 years of age John has many years of wisdom and experience to share. He’s donated 10 years of hard work to the organisation.

He was motivated to support Yalari after hearing Noel Pearson speak on television about his Higher Expectation Program operating in Cape York.

“I started volunteer work covering the networking side of things, introducing Yalari to people who’d never heard of them in Victoria,” John says.

interested?” she says.

Queensland Nicole is a lawyer whose drive to work with children brought her to Yalari.

“With a charity like Yalari, how can you not be

Nicole’s been tutoring Yalari students at Brisbane’s St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School for four years after discovering the organisation through her employer, and Yalari supporter, Herbert Smith Freehills.

“It’s been great watching the girls grow and become such confident, mature ladies. They take their studies very seriously.” And it’s the feeling they give her that brings her back each week.

Sue Rosen

New South Wales Sue Rosen started her career as a primary school teacher but has spent the past 33 years operating a building company

with her husband.

She’s delighted to be working with children again through Yalari by tutoring the organisation’s scholarship students at Abbotsleigh each week.

“I’m there if the kids need guidance with assignments or even just to talk. This Thursday when I visit I’ll sit and chat with them about what to expect from their upcoming work experience. I’ll help them decide what to wear and explain how the workforce expects staff to act.”

As Chair of the Sydney Dinner Committee Sue also donates and contributes to making the annual fundraising event a success.

“If I didn’t think it was a worthwhile organisation I wouldn’t be devoting the hours I do to it. Yalari is like a family and I think that’s what makes Yalari unique,” she says.

Narelle Sargent

ACT

Narelle Sargent is more than a volunteer tutor to Canberra Yalari scholarship students; she’s a friendly face, a homework assistant, a source of advice and home cooked meals.

“I tutor two young girls, one in Year 9 and another in Year 10. Both are very different.

One is very focused on becoming a lawyer, the other is still finding her niche,” Narelle explains.

She also attends school information sessions and teacher interviews.

“It’s rewarding to watch them grow and I liked the idea of helping a small organisation,” Narelle adds.

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YALARI PARTNERSHIPS

Marg & Pedro O’Connor with Heather Saunders

Waverley Stanley, Esther Horn and Brad Horn at the Yalari River Ride in 2010

Brad and Waverley met at TGS in 1980

AN EPIC FRIENDSHIP Epic Private Journeys is committed to supporting Indigenous education through its partnership with Yalari.

The nine year partnership between Yalari and Epic Private Journeys was born out of the friendship between Waverley Stanley and Epic’s founder, Brad Horn, who met while attending Toowoomba Grammar School more than 30 years ago.

Central Queensland and then living in Africa for many years, Brad is acutely aware of the disadvantages faced by traditional cultures.

“Waverley and I go a long way back to our days together at Toowoomba Grammar School. I was a year ahead of ‘Stan’ and vividly remember the skinny little aboriginal boy arriving at TGS from Murgon. It was his honesty, courage and endeavour that endeared him to all,” Brad recalls.

Epic has been a valuable contributor to Yalari since the first Brisbane Dinner in 2007. Donations of tailored ‘once in a lifetime’ journeys to far and exotic locations, have unquestionably raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the Yalari scholarship program.

However he didn’t see a lot of Waverley in the years after school because Brad had moved away from the Southeast corner of Queensland.

“What Yalari is doing will undoubtedly bring about positive change in the long term.”

As the Founding Director of Yalari, Waverley understands the necessity of working with companies that are likeminded.

“It is so important to work with those “When I moved back in the early 2000s who share in Yalari’s vision of education we met up at an old boys breakfast and got chatting about Yalari. I have been sold on the concept ever since,” Brad reveals.

Educating Indigenous Children Having grown up on Proud partners of Indigenous education a cattle property in

About Epic Private Journeys For the past 10 years Epic has tailored private journeys to some of the world’s most extraordinary places.

Epic lives and breathes the travel experience and is passionate about creating unique and authentic trips for independent travellers. From the wilds and rich landscapes of Africa, North & South America, Antarctica and Australia, to the cultural heart of India, Nepal, Bhutan, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.

Experience amazing once in a lifetime journeys…and let the destination touch your soul.

For more, visit epicprivatejourneys.com 10 • Yalari Quarterly Newsletter - June 2016 • www.yalari.org

and empowerment for Indigenous children. We are very grateful to Brad, Pedro and the whole Epic team for their continued trust and generous support,” Waverley said.

“Our relationship is about teamwork; an opportunity to work together and really make a difference. Knowing that Epic is with us for the ‘long-haul’ means a lot to us,” adds Waverley.

This year, Epic has kindly donated safaris to Botswana, Tanzania and Zambia, a luxury holiday at Alila in Bali, and also a series of five-star Australian accommodation packages.

These fabulous prizes will be available for auction at Yalari’s fundraising dinners throughout the year.

“Epic will continue to support Yalari as we very much believe in what they are doing and how they are doing it,” Brad explained. “Ensuring the education of the next generation of Indigenous ‘leaders’ is crucial to the social fabric of Australia.”

YALARI GRADUATE UPDATE CONNECT TODAY, Transform Tomorrow!

H

afa adai is the official ‘hello’ term used in Guam. Guam is a small island which I recently ventured to for the Festival of Pacific Arts, so forgive me if I’m still in holiday mode!

My name is Taneale Lawton and I graduated from St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School in 2014 and now, in 2016, I am working as the Alumni Association Administrator at Yalari headquarters on the Gold Coast.

My two years since completing secondary school have been very adventurous, insightful and memorable. My first year out of school was spent working at Geelong Grammar School as the Indigenous support assistant alongside Lucy Haigh, Indigenous Co-ordinator. It was an amazing year filled with lots of fun and enjoyable experiences that I will never forget! At the start of this year I

studied acting at the Aboriginal Centre for Performing Arts in Brisbane.

Four weeks ago I was offered to head to Guam to represent Australia. I went with Digi Youth Arts, a not-for-profit arts organization that brokers opportunities for Indigenous young people to tell their stories through their words who I now work with running workshops and performing plays alongside my job at Yalari.

I knew that I would always work for Yalari in some shape or form. I never realised just how soon it would be. I guess, in a sense, I’ve always had a passion to work with young Indigenous kids and why not do it through Yalari, I thought. My job at Yalari is to create a space where our Alumni students, both graduates and non-graduates can come together and connect. A place where we can network, communicate and share.

You might not recognise it while you’re at school but once you leave it’s quite hard to see your best Yalari mates.

I’m very excited to be working here, especially on this project that I am deeply passionate about. I cannot wait to see our progress – fingers crossed!

ALUMNI SUPPORT at our SYDNEY DINNER

Alex Barker, Waverley Stanley, Denzel Tighe and Ian Brown

Toby Saunders helps draw the raffle!

Canberra Girls Grammar students with Kyol Blakeney

It is always great to see the Yalari graduates continuing their support for Yalari. Alex Barker, Denzel Tighe, Ian Brown, Kyol Blakeney, Hannah Ranby and Toby Saunders joined us for our Sydney Dinner recently.

Kyol is in his final year at The University of Sydney studying a Bachelor of Primary Education.

Alex is currently studying a Bachelor of Commerce at The University of Sydney.

Denzel, also at The University of Sydney is studying a Bachelor of Primary Education.

Hannah is working at Abbotsleigh’s onsite childcare centre while studying a combined Certificate III and Diploma in Early Childhood Studies.

Ian is undertaking Indigenous Studies and Psychology with a Masters of Law.

Toby is currently undertaking a Bachelor of Primary Education at the University of Technology Sydney.

ATTENTION YALARI ALUMNI!

You can now stay in touch easier than ever before!

Simply join our Yalari Alumni Association group on Facebook!

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EVENTS: YALARI SYDNEY FUNDRAISING DINNER

EDUCATI

GENERAT

STUDENTS

ION

SYDNE

FUTURE

VALUE

#Y

DONORSS

SHINE

LIVE LEA

EMPOWDEERR CELEBRA I

VOLUNTE

CHOICE

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OUTCOS MSCEHOO WELCOME S

AT SYDNEY FUNDRAISING DINNER

FOCUS PO VISI SITIVE

Riverview student Trey Petterson with Adam Goodes & Michael O’Loughlin

That’s right folks! It’s ‘dinner season’ at Yalari and again, we could not have been happier with the ‘first cab off the rank’, our Sydney Fundraising Dinner.

friends. Of course, we are always hopeful to raise some much needed funds so we can continue to offer opportunities of education and empowerment for Indigenous children.

The venue was delightful, as Doltone House Hyde Park played host to over 450 guests on Thursday, 2 June 2016. We were particularly fortunate that special guests His Excellency General, The Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Ret’d) and Mrs Linda Hurley and former AFL players Adam Goodes and Michael O’Loughlin were able to join us. The Yalari students (and many of the guests) were particularly impressed!

As the evening got underway, there was a certain ‘feeling’ in the room letting us know it was going to be a very special night.

The aim of the event is to catch-up with our supporters, to let everyone know about what’s been happening over the past year and to have a great time in the company of

Mandy & Chelsea Edwards

Guests were first treated to the magical bagpiping abilities of Scots College Year 11 student Aidan Bestwick, who piped in the Governor. Riverview students Jalu Donovan and Ali CrawshawTomlins followed with a unique didgeridoo performance. Then it was over to the warm and professional stylings of MCs Mia Hodges from Canberra Girls Grammar School and Samuel Jackson-Bolton from The Armidale School. But it was Yalari student speaker, Kayla Baker who touched the audience, talking about her personal journey, her Yalari experiences and future aspirations. “When I finish school I want to go onto uni and do a degree in Communications and Media,” she explained.

Year 12 students take to the stage

Taleyah Hippi and Shanelle Smith

Ya l a r i g r a te f u l l y a c k n o w l e d g e s t h e d e d i c a t i o n o f e v e r yo n Riverview student Ali Crawshaw-Tomlins

Thank you to the volunteer s, speaker s and enter tainer s, the Sy dney Din n er Committee, Freehil l s and o ur Event Par tner s: Hentley Farm, Epic Private Journeys, Veritas Even ts, N Veritas Eve nts, Westpac, Epic Private Jo urneys and Bennelong Funds Man agemen t.

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

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Kobi Hall and Samuel Jackson-Bolton

Canberra Girls Grammar students with Governor Hurley & Mary Boydell

The audience was also treated to some rare and exceptional musical talent. Marcus Corowa, one of Australia’s brightest emerging entertainers ‘wowed’ the audience with his stage-captivating rendition of ‘What a Wonderful World’.

Yalari parent, Jeremy Donovan not only gave a moving and inspiring account of his own journey as an Indigenous man and father but his performance on the didgeridoo and Native American flute left guests spellbound. “These kids are the change makers,” Jeremy said. “They drive us to do what we do today because it’s the future of those young people that we want to create.”

It is humbling to see the Sydney community continue to get behind the students by supporting Yalari at this event. Each year, the Sydney Fundraising Dinner exceeds our expectations. We could not do this without you, so thank you to all who participated.

When asked why she thought the support for Yalari is stronger than ever, Yalari’s Chairman Mary Boydell said, “They trust us, they believe in what we are doing and they want to make a difference. They want to provide opportunities and choice for a generation of Indigenous students.”

Braydon Mundy with his parents Sarah Franklin and Cameron Mundy

Brooke Massender (Herbert Smith Freehills) & Cath Brokenborough (Lend Lease)

Holly Austin & Lena-Jade Cochrane

Marcus Corowa

Jeremy Donovan

e who has contributed to our 2016 Sydney Dinner.

and thos e wh o generously donated prize s for our auc tion s and raf fles.

We thank our Event Majo r Par tner, Herber t Smith Nar r a t i ve Pos t , Riboni C onstruc tions, Lion Nathan and Dol tone House. T hanks also to those w ho purchased corporate tables:

RIBONI

CONSTRUCTIONS

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

YALARI PARTNER SCHOOL

TEN YEAR Celebration Event

Back: Waverley, Chelsea, Tearnee, Nellee, Shauna Front: Anna, Shakita, Kashaunica

TOOWOOMBA GRAMMAR SCHOOL, THE GLENNIE SCHOOL & YALARI PARTNERSHIP

The beautiful grounds of Toowoomba Grammar School (TGS) were the backdrop for a Ten Year Celebration event held on Thursday, 14th April 2016. The event marked the 10th Anniversary of Yalari’s partnership with TGS and The Glennie School.

We were overwhelmed by the support of over 60 attendees from both the TGS and Glennie communities, in addition to the presence of current and past Yalari scholars.

Waverley first met with TGS Headmaster, Peter Hauser in 2005 who agreed to offer two places for Yalari scholarship recipients starting in 2006.

“Toowoomba Grammar School, Queensland, is extremely proud of its association with Yalari. As Headmaster of Toowoomba Grammar School, I wish the Yalari organisation continued success in its life changing vision,” Peter said.

Similarly, Wendy Ashley-Cooper, the Head of School at The Glennie School was equally as supportive and enthusiastic and also offered two places for Yalari scholars commencing 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.”

Waverley Stanley, Wendy Ashley-Cooper & Peter Hauser

The event offered current students the chance to meet some of the Yalari Alumni and hear about the success stories of those who had gone before them.

But perhaps the most poignant reminder from the evening is reflecting on what can be achieved when we work together towards a common mission; offering opportunities of education and empowerment to Indigenous children.

Waverley Stanley Jr. and Kane Brunjes

Educating Indigenous Children

Working together since 2006 to educate and empower Indigenous children 14 • Yalari Quarterly Newsletter - June 2016 • www.yalari.org

Liam, Isaac, Barry, Jacob, Gary, Yarryn & Kane

PICK OF THE P I C S! St Margaret’s girls Sopheena, Sophia, Tyeena and Nadia enjoy the day ABC studios.

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Thursday, 25th August 201

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

SHARING THE LOVE! 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 - June 2016 • www.yalari.org • 15

Educating Indigenous Children

ANNUAL APPEAL

®

2016

This tax-time, give a gift that will last a lifetime...

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

This end of financial year, make a tax deductible donation to Yalari and know that you are empowering Indigenous children through education and helping bring about generational change.

www.yalari.org To make a donation please complete 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 could help Yalari or to make a bequest, please contact us on (07) 5665 8688.

1

YES!

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

4

MY DETAILS ARE:

Mr

Mrs

Post Code:

Mobile:

Home Ph: Email:

STAY CONNECTED

Email

CHOOSE A METHOD OF PAYMENT OPTION A: CREDIT CARD

Visa

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Post

None

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: Ta x t i m e

OPTION C: CHEQUE

Signature:

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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 :

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$

3

2

16 0 6 YA LN E WS

C V V:

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