NEWS Issue 35 | March 2017
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
Yalari’s Year 11 Camp at the University of New South Wales, Sydney L to R: Isabella O’Hara (Canberra Girls’ Grammar School), Lenka Rivers (St Hilda’s School), Jamika Kelly-Wirth (PLC Armidale) 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.
Welcome to the first newsletter for 2017 and we have hit the ground running! That’s nothing unusual really - just another day living the dream of leading a life full of ‘purpose’. I am lucky to share this with my wife Llew, great staff, board members and our extended Yalari family all over Australia, working together to support our children and young adults. ‘The only time success comes before work is in the dictionary.’ This quote applies to everyone in their lives. To our children and young adults - the many opportunities that are presented to you, be very grateful for. Grasp them with both hands and be responsible and accountable for your performance while at school, at home in your communities and what you can do to enrich the lives of others each and every day. This year, so far, we have welcomed 46 new Yalari scholars at our Orientation Camp at The Southport School in January; our Year 11 students attended a camp at the University
Copyright © 2017 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.
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These camps offer an opportunity for our children to be with their respective year groups and to keep the momentum of education and empowerment going through the positive supports of their peers. Thanks for believing and knowing that we are all making a difference. Your support, your generosity, your time, your friendship and your care is moving the Yalari ‘wave of change’ each day, each month and each year. Generational change is in our hands; in our hearts and with the actions we take now. We are the change we want to see in our country.
There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children. - Nelson Mandela
Cover Image: Tyrese Idai - Year 8 Yalari scholar at Anglican Church Grammar School (Churchie). 2 • Yalari Quarterly Newsletter - March 2017 • www.yalari.org
of NSW in February; our Year 10 students attended the ‘Pay it Forward’ camp at the Sport & Recreation Centre at Tallebudgera (where we had our first Orientation Camp in 2007); and we conducted two Year 12 workshops at the Herbert Smith Freehills offices in Melbourne and Brisbane.
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Join us for an emotive and inspiring Yalari evening. BOOK ONLINE NOW!
www.yalari.org Positive future change starts with the actions we take today... 2017 Yalari Dinner National Wine Sponsor
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Leaders become great, not because of their power, but because of their ability to empower others.
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- John Maxwell
It is with great pleasure that we announce the Yalari Captains for 2017. Lenka Rivers
Alkira Miller
St Hilda’s School
Great Southern Grammar School
Grace Haslett
Lakeycha Farnham
Scotch College, Adelaide
Geelong Grammar School
Sarah-Cait Kirkland
Keriba Bligh
John Paul College
Koby Sellings
Geelong Grammar School
The Southport School
Isaac Burgoyne
Toowoomba Grammar School
Molly Trindall PLC Armidale
Kayla Baker Kambala
Ali Tomlins
St Ignatius’ College Riverview
Zarleigh Jones
Calrossy Anglican School
Kiara Davies Abbotsleigh
Johanna Loban
St Margaret’s Anglican Girls’ School
Ryan O’Callaghan
St Peter’s College
This year, 16 Yalari scholars from Years 10 to 12 have been chosen for the role of Yalari Captain based on qualities such as responsible behaviour, leadership, involvement with their school and Yalari communities, and acting as a role model for other students. A Yalari Captain is expected to act as a mentor to other Yalari students and as an ambassador for Yalari, all the while demonstrating the Yalari values of compassion, openness, respect, resilience and inclusiveness.
Congratulations to our Captains! We wish you all the very best in your new leadership roles and Toby McGovern-Cubby know you will do an excellent Churchie job!
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 - March 2017 • www.yalari.org • 3
YALARI NEWSROOM
welcome NEW YALARI SCHOLARS Aidan Scrutton Alyssa Bonney Anna Robinson Bella Griffiths Blade Trindall Bryoni Marshall Caleb Laifoo Carnett Brumby Cassandra Peris Chenille Nona-Yellub Cheree Whymann Clay Schafer Damon Germon Dylan Baker Elyne Tighe Esther Knowles Felicity Hodges Holly Coffison Jasmine Glass Jermaine Harrison Jessie Dahlstrom Kayla Jackson Kelvin Howard Kenny Jacks
The Scots College, Sydney Methodist Ladies College, Perth Kinross Wolaroi School St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School Scots PGC Warwick Scots PGC Warwick The Southport School The Scots College, Sydney Geelong Grammar School The Glennie School Scotch College, Adelaide Geelong Grammar School The Southport School St Ignatius’ College Riverview St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School Kambala Scots PGC Warwick St Hilda’s School St Catherine’s School, Toorak Toowoomba Grammar School John Paul College St Catherine’s School, Toorak St Ignatius’ College Riverview Scots PGC Warwick
4 • Yalari Quarterly Newsletter - March 2017 • www.yalari.org
The Glennie School St Peter’s College Abbotsleigh Abbotsleigh Great Southern Grammar School Geelong Grammar School St Hilda’s School Anglican Church Grammar School (Churchie) Shore - Sydney Church of England Grammar Ramiyah Tamu School Reghan Bayles Toowoomba Grammar School - Sydney Church of England Grammar Rishad Cook-Sabatino Shore School Scott Taat St Peter’s College Seferina Whap The Glennie School Shelly Hunt John Paul College Sienna Lincoln Kinross Wolaroi School Sophie Oakeshott Abbotsleigh Tahlia See Geelong Grammar School Thalia Saunders Scots PGC Warwick Troy Brown Geelong Grammar School Tyler Slater Scotch College, Adelaide Anglican Church Grammar Willem Smith School (Churchie) Kiana Williams Lahkai Councillor Laura Crombie Mackenzie Hyde Mariah Lennard Marlley McNamara Megan Fields Moigida Loban
The Sou thpo rt Sch ool stud ents : Dam on Germ on and Cale b Laif oo
den ts: Tyl er Sco tch Col leg e, Ade laid e stu ann Sla ter and Che ree Wh ym
This year, we welcomed 126 returning Yalari scholars back to the program and a further 46 new students who started their Yalari journey. Good luck to all our Yalari scholars in 2017!
Geel ong Gram mar Scho ol stud ents Cass andr a Peri s
: Thal ia See, Marl ley McN ama ra and
Yalari Quarterly Newsletter - March 2017 • www.yalari.org • 5
YALARI NEWSROOM
sounds great, brody! 2012 Anglican Church Grammar School graduate and Yalari alumnus Brody Lelievre, ‘checks-in’ to let us know what he’s up to!
“I am currently working for the Queensland Ambulance Service as a Patient Transport Officer based out of Chermside ambulance station. I am also in the final year of my Bachelor of Paramedic Science at the Queensland University of Technology. I will be completing twelve weeks of on-road placement as part of my degree.”
well done!
Recent Student Achievements
Esther Knowles
Ratu Davui
Esther has been voted by her peers to be their representative on the Boarder’s Advisory Team.
Elected House Sacristan for Thorold House.
Year 7 - Kambala
Year 12 - The Southport School
Darcie Sexton
Year 10 - St Hilda’s School, Southport
Selected for the Kokoda Challenge Youth Program; a unique opportunity for personal development by adopting the philosophies of courage, endurance, mateship and sacrifice.
Kiriba Bligh
Year 11 - The Southport School Selected in ‘Firsts’ rowing.
“Working with young women who are inspired, driven and motivated inspires me to close the education gap between Indigenous and nonIndigenous children. My passion is helping people to be the best version of themselves and to keep flying upwards.” 2015 St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School graduate and Yalari alumnus, Jaz David De Busch speaking about her new role as Yalari’s Melbourne Student Support Officer.
Sarah-Cait Kirkland
Year 11 - John Paul College
Selected for the Kokoda Challenge Youth Program; a unique opportunity for personal development by adopting the philosophies of courage, endurance, mateship and sacrifice.
Felicity Hodges
Year 7 - Scots PGC Warwick
Awarded a Middle School Leaders Badge for being an “outstanding young lady who has demonstrated the ability to lead others.”
Noah Allen
Year 9 - St Ignatius’ College, Riverview
Awarded the Brian Veech Memorial Prize for Persistent Application to Study.
Kealy Griffiths
Year 11 - St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School Brisbane
Achieved her second academic pocket in a six month period.
THE DELOITTE FOUNDATION
FUNDraisers!
Our friends at The Deloitte Foundation held an “Education Month” in February with the aim of raising money to support Yalari. “We decided to have a ‘Lunch & Learn’ to raise awareness about Yalari and the wonderful work they do,” said Felicity Woodward from Deloitte. “We were very grateful to have Ian Brown (Yalari Alumnus) come to Deloitte and speak to staff about Yalari, which was enjoyed by all and very informative.” For two weeks after the ‘Lunch & Learn’, a few champions from The Deloitte Foundation collected pre-loved books from staff to sell at a book sale, with all proceeds going to Yalari. “The book sale was very successful! We had so many books delivered and staff really enjoyed rummaging through and finding pre-loved books to read. We also had a lolly-jar competition at the counter for a gold coin donation,” Felicity explained. During the sale, Deloitte raised $1,100 for Yalari with the unsold books being donated to Lifeline, The School of Life (going all the way to Uganda) and The Innovaid Foundation. Thank you to The Deloitte Foundation for your wonderful and continuing support.
Would you like to host a fundraising event on behalf of Yalari? It is easy, fun and rewarding. Visit www.yalari.org to find out more. 6 • Yalari Quarterly Newsletter - March 2017 • www.yalari.org
oon! s g n i s o l cations c i l p p A ! y hurr 2018 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO WOULD LIKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO RECEIVE A QUALITY BOARDING SCHOOL EDUCATION? 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 and 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.
UPCOMING EVENTS
30th
Upcoming Yalari events and student activities.
APRIL
30
Closing date for 2018 Scholarship Applications
MAY
08
National Volunteer Week
JUNE
08 23
Yalari Sydney Dinner 2017 - Sofitel Sydney Wentworth Year 9 Girls Central Australia Camp
AUGUST
17
Yalari Melbourne Dinner 2017 - Leonda by the Yarra, Hawthorn
SEPTEMBER
22
Yalari’s Biennial Cherbourg Walk
Yalari Quarterly Newsletter - March 2017 • www.yalari.org • 7
YYAALLAARRI I SSTTUUDDEENNTT SSUUPPPPOORRTT PPRROOGGRRAAMM
ORIENTATION CAMP 2017
O
n Monday 9th January, fresh after a long Christmas break, 81 students descended on the Gold Coast for Yalari’s annual Orientation Camp. The children came from far and wide, many with connecting flights and overnight stays with family and family-friends along the way. They came from as far away as Katanning in the wheat-belt of Western Australia through to the remote Gapuwiyak Community in Arnhem Land, Northern Territory. They flew on small eight- seater planes from remote islands in the Torres Strait, and from regional communities dotted throughout mainland Australia. All in all, the students travelled from 50 different communities to get to the camp. For the new students who are about to embark on what must seem like an incredibly huge, exciting and nerve-racking adventure, Orientation Camp provided an understanding of what that journey might look like. For students who have already been at boarding school for the past year, the camp was an opportunity to catch up with other Yalari students, share their experiences from their first year and learn some valuable skills for their second year of boarding school. This year, as in previous years, we provided the opportunity for senior-school students to take up leadership positions during the camp. We had 12 Year 11 students who each made a fantastic addition to the team.
“I just remember how much fun my Orientation Camps were when I was younger and I was excited to be a part of them again. I remember connecting with my student leaders and the younger volunteers and they had a big influence on me at that age. To try and do the same for some other kids or share my knowledge and experience with them was surreal, as I remember being in the same position they were in only a couple of years ago. I have just finished my schooling at St Augustine’s College, Cairns but I definitely want to remain connected to Yalari. The camp was so great; activities were fun and the kids were awesome. I would volunteer again for Yalari any day.” Nelson Foster - 2016 Year 12 Graduate
8 • Yalari Quarterly Newsletter - March 2017 • www.yalari.org
‘Winanggaay Nguurrang’ the camp of thinking and understanding
Orientation camp is the launching ground for children into an educational opportunity that will nurture strong, supportive and inclusive Indigenous leaders for Australia’s future.
from one of our parents... “I just wanted to thank everyone for the wonderful time Laura had at camp. She has made so many new friends and it really helped her to feel she is ready for life at boarding school. I could see her confidence and independence grow after the camp. Thank you to our wonderful team of volunteers (L to R) Mara Vucak, Claire Butler, Nelson Foster, Issy Dwyer, Lacey Richmond and Doug Williams.
Thanks so much for the support and kindness everyone at the Yalari camp showed the children.” - Nicol Crombie, Quirindi NSW
Absent: Antonia Burke, Bruce Davidson and John Fisher. Thank you all!
Thank you! to our generous supporters... We are eternally grateful for the continued support of the Leroy and Joy Brauer Perpetual Charitable Trust in generously sponsoring the annual Orientation Camp again this year. We also thank Prada for their generous contribution.
Greyhound generously donated over 500 seats across 10 charter buses that allowed the children to travel to Surfers Paradise, Wet’n’Wild and to Brisbane Airport on
Friday morning. Greyhound also provided water bottles for students and staff at camp – a necessity for the hot days! Thank you!
The Leroy and Joy Brauer PERPETUAL CHARITABLE TRUST
We are grateful to all our supporters, for being there from the beginning, as our new students embark on their Yalari journey.
Yalari Quarterly Newsletter - March 2017 • www.yalari.org • 9
YALARI VOLUNTEERS
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R E P U S YALARI TUTORS!
“Amy helps me with my homework on a weekly basis which has helped me improve my grades. Not only does she help me with my school work she is also now my friend!” Imani Austin - Year 9 at Scotch College, Adelaide
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Since Yalari first began back in 2005, volunteers have played a integral role across many areas of the organisation. From assisting with fundraising dinners to administration and office work, Yalari would not have the robust and diverse support networks without their remarkable and ongoing contribution. A volunteering role that often ‘flies-underthe radar’ is that of the student tutor. This year alone, there are 45 tutors assisting 68 students at 12 partner schools. The tutoring involves supporting a Yalari
“Tutoring a couple of very bright sparks at Scotch College over the last few years has been a wonderful experience. It has been a true delight getting to know Cheyanne and Imani and to see their progression through Years 7 to 9. They like to challenge themselves and to have fun in the process and they constantly surprise and impress me. It is a privilege to share part of their journey with them.” Amy Cooper-Boast (Special Counsel - Lipman Karas) Yalari Tutor
“From my experience with my tutor Amy I have found it very useful over past years. She helps me with all of my subjects and she has a very good understanding of English as she is a lawyer. We have become not just acquaintances but also friends. Her knowledge has been a really big help.” Cheyanne Baker - Year 9 at Scotch College, Adelaide
student, or group of Yalari students, to develop their skills and understanding of a particular subject. Our tutors are there to provide expertise, experience and encouragement as they assist the student to identify issues, to problem solve and develop new skills so they can find their own solutions. Our younger students are often assisted with homework and organisation while older students receive more ‘subject specific’ tutoring. This is done on a regular basis, outside of normal school hours at the student’s school.
Have you ever thought about volunteering?
Tutoring: The act, process, or art of imparting knowledge and skill.
Yalari Tutors constantly tell us how they feel a sense of reward and accomplishment while working with the students, a relationship that often continues for several years. We are truly thankful to have these remarkable individuals who generously give of their time and knowledge in the pursuit of helping a Yalari child succeed. Are you friendly, encouraging and patient? Do you think you have what it takes to become a Yalari tutor? We would love to hear from you! Please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Pam.
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. 10 • Yalari Quarterly Newsletter - March 2017 • www.yalari.org
YALARI PARTNER SCHOOL
JOHN PAUL COLLEGE
SHARING A PASSION FOR DIVERSITY, EDUCATION AND EMPOWERMENT
It is the shared passion for both education and the empowerment of Indigenous children that makes John Paul College (JPC) an ideal Yalari partner school.
JPC offers a rich and diverse curriculum that enables Indigenous children to become confident, committed members of the community while remaining firmly grounded in their cultural roots.
The partnership between Yalari and JPC began in 2015, when two Year 7 Yalari scholars moved into the brand-new boarding village. The boarding facilities and school environment were so well received by Haley and Faith, who have since been joined by a further four Yalari scholars. “John Paul College and Yalari enjoy an outstanding partnership because the students are motivated to be here and they connect very well with our ethos,” explains Acting Headmaster, Mr Norm Kerley. The school encourages the students to share their culture and help raise awareness among the non-Indigenous members of the school community. Throughout the campus, they have created authentic spaces and symbols which represent the Indigenous culture. These include a yarning circle, a bush tucker grove and Indigenous gardens.
“They [the Yalari students] are a wonderful influence in our boarding village and contribute to all aspects of boarding life,” Mr Kerley says. All the way from the community of Gapuwiyak in north-eastern Arnhem Land, Shauna Dhagapan has just started her second year at JPC. “I have really enjoyed my first year at JPC with Yalari. I like being part of the Yalari family and going to a good school like JPC. Everyone is so friendly and I have lots of friends who are nice to me too. I have learnt so many new things in class and get to go on fun outings on the weekends. I love to play sports and be part of a team,” she says.
Founding Director of Yalari, Waverley Stanley is pleased to see the Yalari students, most of which are from remote areas of Australia, be supported and nurtured by the school community. “We are so proud to be part of JPC’s growing Indigenous program which offers our students a unique mix of education and support, culture and empowerment,” he says. And the JPC community really to do ‘walkthe walk’, having attending several of Yalari’s fundraising dinners and events.
The JPC inter-house cross-country event where Shelly Hunt (left) came 3rd and Sarah-Cait Kirkland (right) came 5th.
“We are very grateful for the support JPC has shown not only to our children, but to our organisation as a whole,” Waverley says. Three years on, it is easy to see that the Yalari/ JPC association will be a long and rewarding one.
“Yalari and John Paul College have united in our support of Indigenous students and we look forward to welcoming further students in the future, watching them graduate and following them as they find their own special place in the world,” Mr Kerley says. “They will always be part of the John Paul College Family and of our worldwide alumni network.”
“Yalari provides excellent support for its students and Waverley is a brilliant role model and a dynamic and motivated spokesperson – not just for the Indigenous and not just for Yalari – but for anyone who has the opportunity to listen to his powerful messages.” - Mr Kerley.
Educating Indigenous Children
®
Working together since 2015 to educate and empower Indigenous children
Back row: Sarah-Cait Kirkland, Faith Guyula, Shauna Dhagapan, Front Row: Jessie Dahlstrom, Haley Hunt, Shelly Hunt, Mr Norm Kerley Yalari Quarterly Newsletter - March 2017 • www.yalari.org • 11
YALARI STUDENT SUPPORT PROGRAM
2014 Yalari graduate Taneale Lawton (top-left) and Zanna Palmer from Geelong Grammar School.
2016 Yalari graduate Rekisha Satour volunteered at the camp, pictured (left) with Lakotta Miller from Great Southern Grammar School, Albany.
year 10 camp ‘Pay-it-forward’! The Yalari Year 10 Camp is an integral part of the student support program, enabling students to continue their support of each other and further their preparations as they enter their senior school years. This camp is a compulsory part of the scholarship program. This year, the camp was held at the Gold Coast Recreation Centre at Tallebudgera. The group of 19 students from 11 boarding schools across the country attended. The theme of the Year 10 camp was ‘Pay It forward’.
About Pay-It-Forward Year 10 students are set a fundraising task: to raise enough money throughout the year to fund a scholarship for another student. Students are encouraged to think creatively, to learn new skills, build friendships, and get a feel for community living and giving.
On Saturday evening, students participated in volunteer activities. Some of the students joined a local charity (Rosies) with serving tea, coffee, bread, cake and other items to homeless people on the Gold Coast. Others took a road trip to Tamborine Mountain where they spent time in conversation with residents at an aged care facility. The last group participated in ‘virtualvolunteering’ and assisted in tracking the breeding rate of wild penguins by identifying animals in photos taken by motion tracking cameras. All students enjoyed the activity and debriefed in small groups over dessert.
12 • Yalari Quarterly Newsletter - March 2017 • www.yalari.org
year 11 camp Yalari’s Year 11 Camp is aimed at providing students with the opportunity to consider their post-school options while experiencing residential college living and university life. This year, the University of New South Wales Sydney played host to 33 Yalari students from 16 Yalari partner schools across Australia. The schedule for the two-day camp was jam-packed but allowed students to participate in a variety of workshops and presentations; all with the theme of reflecting on the past and present, and preparing for the future.
“I liked having the Yalari Alumni talk about their experiences throughout their life and university. They were particularly good because they were old students of Yalari meaning we will be able to relate and we can all see how far they have come and what they are doing with their lives.” - Molly Trindall, PLC Armidale
“I really enjoyed catching up with everyone but especially the careers round table. I learnt a lot about different options in careers and enjoyed being able to see many peoples view on different things” - Kiara Davies, Abbotsleigh.
thank you to our valued supporters!
We thank Lendlease, major sponsor of the 2017 Year 11 Camp. Our friends at Lendlease have been long-term and generous supporters whose contributions have been invaluable; not just to our students’ support activities, but to Yalari as a whole.
Isabelle Creagh, Head of Colleges and Guillaume Gauthier, Operations Supervisor for UNSW Residential Communities provided operational and logistical support to ensure a smooth stay at UNSW. Thank you also for providing current UNSW students to conduct a tour of the residential facilities.
Thank you to the Nura Gili Indigenous Programs Unit for providing the delegates to run sessions on Saturday morning. In particular, we thank Leearna Williams and the student ambassadors Matt and Jake for their enthusiastic presentations. We also greatly appreciate the use of the Nura Gili facility throughout the weekend. Thank you to the delegates who attended the careers ‘round table’ event on Saturday. We acknowledge and appreciate your dedication and enthusiasm, encouraging the students to reach higher goals. Yalari Quarterly Newsletter - March 2017 • www.yalari.org • 13
YALARI ALUMNI
RESILIENCE by Julia Malamoo Julia is a Yalari Alumni who graduated in 2014 from St Hilda’s School, Southport. She is currently undertaking a traineeship at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade within the Pacific Division. Julia recently shared her experience with Yalari students at the Year 11 Camp. “I had no idea what to do when I discontinued my University studies at the end of 2015; let alone any career aspirations! It took a substantial amount of resilience and determination for me to ‘pick myself up’ and start pursuing career opportunities... and I’m so thankful that I did! This goes to show how quickly ambitions can change given a positive mind-set and career goals. In Year 11 and 12, I thought there was only one path towards a successful career; to obtain a university degree, then find a job using that degree. However, there are so many pathways that exist for Indigenous students to find an entrance into a prosperous career. It was this that motivated me to take an alternative pathway into my career at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). Having worked at DFAT now for several months, I was offered the opportunity to share my career journey (thus far!) with Yalari’s Year 11 students. I wanted to reassure students that picking up a university degree straight out of high school might not be for everyone at that point in time. I jumped at the opportunity to offer an alternative view, from my experience, and coming from someone who has tried the university path but opted for another. This felt incredibly rewarding and I am very grateful for the opportunity.
Waverley Stanley and Julia Malamoo at the 2014 Yalari Graduation Ceremony.
14 • Yalari Quarterly Newsletter - March 2016 • www.yalari.org
Being able to share my experiences and model resilience to Yalari students is an opportunity I would not have seen myself being offered, nor embracing, even just a short year ago. I look forward to participating in future Alumni events and continuing my involvement with Yalari”. Main image: Julia shares her experience at the Year 11 Camp.
YALARI PARTNERSHIPS
Educating Indigenous Children
®
Working together since 2008 to educate and empower Indigenous children
McCullough Robertson’s
COMMUNITY FOCUS 2017 marks the 9th year of an incredible partnership between Yalari and leading Australian law firm McCullough Robertson. “Our partnership with McCullough Robertson started when I met Partner Dominic McGann at a corporate lunch some nine years ago. Dominic introduced us to social infrastructure Partner Heather Watson who has provided pro bono legal advice to us for a number of years,” explained Yalari’s Founding Director, Waverley Stanley. The invaluable support McCullough Robertson has given Yalari over the years has been, and continues to be, paramount in helping to make a difference in the lives and futures of Indigenous people in Australia. McCullough Robertson’s support for Yalari is part of its broader commitment to the community, working closely with community partners and supporting organisations, charities and individuals across a diverse range of areas. Since 2008, McCullough Robertson has sponsored five Yalari children through the Rosemary Bishop Scholarship Program, donated thousands of hours in pro bono legal work, made staff donations through the McCullough Robertson Foundation, participated in countless fundraising and volunteering activities and offered work experience and mentoring opportunities to Yalari students. “We believe that education is the key to closing the gap and are especially proud of the work we have done to help Indigenous children broaden their horizons and achieve their goal and dreams,” said Dominic McGann, now Chairman of Partners at McCullough Robertson. It is with unparalleled gratitude that Yalari thanks McCullough Robertson for their continuing guidance, support and generosity and we look forward to many more years of a wonderful, mutually beneficial partnership. “Our relationship and friendship is sincere, knowing that working together we are making a difference in the lives of our Yalari children. McCullough Robertson is also providing educational opportunities for potential Indigenous lawyers through their university scholarships. Great people, great corporate support and we are very grateful,” Waverley said.
2016 Yalari Graduate Kane Brunjes (middle) with members of the McCullough Robertson Brisbane office.
A role model for others... For more than 90 years, major Australian and foreign owned corporations, financial institutions, governments, private enterprises and high net worth individuals have trusted McCullough Robertson with advice for their most Lahkai Councillor critical legal challenges. Year 7 St Peter’s Adelaide Sponsored by McCullough Robertson
They have a depth of resources including 348 employees and 50 partners across offices in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Newcastle. McCullough Robertson has always been committed to achieving meaningful reconciliation with Indigenous Australians and acknowledges their strengths, their stories and their diversity. As one of Australia’s leading law firms, they believe they have a role to play in helping to close the social and economic gap faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
It is their belief that a quality education will help effect generational change by enabling these Anna Robinson students to use their knowledge and experience Year 7 Kinross Wolaroi School to improve outcomes within their home Sponsored by McCullough communities, encourage future generations to Robertson pursue greater challenges, and improve cultural understanding. Tyson Holloway-Clarke Yalari alumnus and 2012 Scotch Oakburn School graduate. Sponsored by McCullough Robertson and undertook work experience in their offices. Tyson is currently studying a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Melbourne. He was also the first Indigenous person to become the President of the University of Melbourne Student Union (UMSU). Yalari Quarterly Newsletter - March 2017 • www.yalari.org • 15
GIVE A GIFT THAT WILL LAST A LIFETIME. 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 for Indigenous people in Australia.
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. 1703YALNEWS
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