Educating Indigenous Children
YALARI NEWS
E D U C AT I N G A N D E M P OW E R I N G I N D I G E N O U S C H I L D R E N Issue 39 | March 2018
®
YALARI NEWSROOM
Artist Celia Moriarty (front-left) with Waverley Stanley (middle), Llew Mullins (front-right) and Year 11 students. For more information about Celia’s work and the painting of Waverley, visit www.yalari.org/celia-moriarty
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 © 2018 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.
Welcome to the March edition of Yalari News, our first for the year, where we share stories, acknowledge our friends and supporters, and give you all a snapshot of the Yalari machine moving into our 14th year of operation. Yalari celebrates its birthday on April 13. Thanks to everyone who has played their role in contributing to our success in the empowerment, education, employment and personal transformation of our children, young people and young adults. Your valuable support and friendship and your genuine belief in the ideal of us working together is about generational change through education, one Indigenous child at a time. To our Yalari staff and board members who have played their role every day — thanks so very much. You are inspirational and cherished for your generosity of time, effort and work in moving us along — year in, year out. 2018 has seen a number of Yalari camps during first term. We held the annual Orientation Camp for Years 7 & 8 at The Southport School; the Year 11 Camp at Queens College (University of Melbourne); the Year 10 ‘Pay-It-Forward’ Camp at Jacobs Well Environmental Education Centre; and the Year 12 workshops at Herbert Smith Freehills Sydney and Brisbane offices.
ensuring all went smoothly. A huge thanks to Gary, Kylie, Danielle, Karen and our new Pathways Manager Steve Harris, who has recently joined the “Yalari family”. I acknowledge, congratulate and celebrate the generosity of time, friendship and laughter that one of our dearest volunteers, Mr John Bolton, brought to Yalari. John is retiring after 12 years and we wish him all the best for the future. His unwavering support for Yalari and tireless effort is forever appreciated. Thanks so very, very much, my dear friend. “The only time success comes before work is in the dictionary.” I share this quote on numerous occasions and at certain times with our children but this is also an underlying motto for Yalari. Working together for the same common goal and not wavering from our core business: providing education scholarships to Indigenous children from regional, rural and remote communities to complete their senior schooling at one of our partner boarding schools. That is our focus and will always be our focus. Thank you so very much for your belief in what we are doing and achieving.
These camps take a lot of organising and the team has done a great job in Cover Image: Year 7 St Peter’s College Adelaide student, Leon Connop
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Mark these important dates in your diary!
APRIL
13
e v e t S e m o c l e W
Steve (front left) with new and returning Yalari scholars at Orientation Camp
We are delighted to welcome Steve Harris to the Yalari team in the role of Pathways Manager.
Steve will be responsible for providing guidance to Yalari senior students and alumni by assisting them during the transition to higher education, vocational training and employment. Yalari’s Pathways 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.
• • •
Closing date for 2019 scholarship applications
MAY
The program includes: •
30
Yalari’s Anniversary: celebrating 13 years of educating and empowering Indigenous children
Career and life skills guidance in conjunction with school staff in years 11 and 12; Tertiary scholarships advice and support; Work experience, internships and mentoring; and the Yalari Alumni program
Steve is based in the Yalari office on the Gold Coast and can be contacted by emailing pathwaysmanager@yalari.org. Welcome aboard Steve!
Armidale Show Now in its 143rd year, the Armidale Show is one of Australia’s oldest and most important country shows. Year 12 Yalari scholar at Presbyterian Ladies’ College Armidale, Molly Trindall was invited to ride in the show opening which included a traditional smoking ceremony and welcome to country. Well done Molly!
21
National Volunteer Week
JUNE
22
Yalari Sydney Dinner 2018 - Sofitel Sydney Wentworth
AUGUST
16
31
Yalari Melbourne Dinner - Leonda By The Yarra Yalari Year 12 Graduation
OCTOBER
19
Yalari Brisbane Dinner - BCEC
NOVEMBER
9
Yalari Adelaide Dinner - National Wine Centre of Australia
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. Photos courtesy of Lib Martin Photography.
Yalari Quarterly Newsletter - March 2018 • www.yalari.org • 3
YALARI NEWSROOM
2019 YALARI SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS
STUDENT UPDATES and Achievements! Yalari scholars continue to work hard, dream big... and achieve! Sarah-Cait Kirkland
DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO WOULD LIKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO RECEIVE A QUALITY BOARDING SCHOOL EDUCATION?
Year 12 John Paul College student, Sarah-Cait was inducted as the ViceCaptain of Boarding in a special school ceremony.
healthy competition!
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 who will be starting Year 7 in 2019. 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 towards all aspects of student welfare. Scholarship information including the application pack for scholarships commencing in 2019 is available online at www.yalari.org. Applications close Monday 30 April 2018. 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.
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Year 7 Riverview student Russel Whap (right) played basketball against fellow Yalari scholar, Year 7 Shore student Jordan Mitchell.
Head of the River Rowing for Churchie, Year 11 student Lachlan Toovey
Year 11 Churchie student, Lachlan Toovey took to the water at the GPS Head of River Regatta on Saturday 10 March 2018. Lachlan is a member of the winning Year 11 First VII side and has been undefeated all year. Lachlan has continued to hold the best times this season and has also won Churchie’s ‘most outstanding rower’. His crew won ‘most outstanding crew of the year’. In December 2017, Lachlan also took out the Year 10 Service Award (Abel Seaman Trophy) and the Outstanding Academic Achievement Award at Speech Night and was chosen to present the ODE at ANZAC Day.
A Local Hero
YALARI SCHOLAR CHOSEN FOR QUEEN’S BATON RELAY Year 8 Shore student and Yalari scholar, Rishad Cook-Sabitino was very excited when he was selected to participate in The Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Queen’s Baton Relay. On Saturday 3 March, in his home town of Horn Island in the Torres Strait Islands, Rishad jogged down Wees Street proudly raising the baton and waving to onlookers. Rishad was nominated by a family friend in the two stage selection process. “I couldn’t believe it when I heard I’d been selected,” Rishad said.
Nancy Cook, Rishad’s Mum revealed she had to keep it a secret until mid October 2017 given that Rishad was away boarding at Shore. “I rang him after school to give him the good news. It was very special, hearing in his voice how thrilled he was,” she said. All the children and people who know Rishad in the community look up to him. He is very proud to represent his family, his community and his school and was so excited to be part of the Queen’s Baton Relay.
Yalari Graduate Update... Leading | Educating Empowering
YALARICaptains
Congratulations to 2012 St Ignatius’ College Riverview graduate and Yalari alumnus, Mitch Whitley who has accepted a position with JLL as a sales team analyst. Mitch obtained a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Sydney following his boarding school studies and now embarks on his full time career. Good luck Mitch!
It is with great pleasure that we announce the Yalari Captains for 2018.
Alana Sharpley
Toby McGovern-Cubby Isabella O’Hara Churchie
Canberra Girls’ Grammar School
Zanna Palmer
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.
Marcus Paterson
Tramaine Laterre
Sarah-Cait Kirkland
Monique Laurie
Congratulations to all our Captains! We wish you the very best in your new leadership roles.
Tathra Lowe
Molly Trindall
Shahleena Martin
Ryan See Kee
This year, 18 Yalari scholars from Years 11 and 12 have been chosen for the role based on qualities such as responsible behaviour, leadership, involvement with their school communities and acting as a role model for other students.
Geoffrey Swan
The Southport School
Jacob Burgoyne
Toowoomba Grammar School
Abbotsleigh
Geelong Grammar School
Methodist Ladies’ College
Darcie Sexton
St Hilda’s School
Great Southern Grammar School
Presbyterian Ladies College
Ezekiel Billy
St Ignatius’ College Riverview
John Paul College
Scotch College Adelaide
Indira Laifoo
St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School
Geelong Grammar School
Kambala
St Augustine’s College Cairns
Jamika Kelly-Wirth The Glennie School
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YALARI NEWSROOM
A fond farewell...
Yalari’s longest serving volunteer retires It is with the greatest of respect, admiration and thanks that we bid farewell to Yalari’s longest serving volunteer, John Bolton. John starting volunteering with Yalari in 2006 following a chance viewing of a TV documentary regarding Indigenous boarding school scholarships. He later contacted Waverley and started volunteering.
Yalari is such a great cause. I have been privileged to watch its extraordinary growth and have met so many great people. I am very proud to have worked along side Waverley and Llew who have become very special to my life over the years; very dear friends indeed and I wish them both, and Yalari, every good wish.
- John Bolton
As past president of the Melbourne Grammar Foundation and a retired businessman, John has freely shared his experience, skills and networks with the Yalari community. He is a former chairman and long serving member of the Melbourne Dinner Committee and has also worked tirelessly to introduce Yalari to potential new sponsors, Indigenous families and communities throughout Victoria. John has been a remarkable ambassador for Yalari and we truly value the time, effort and commitment he has devoted to Yalari over the past 12 years. We humbly thank John and wish him all the best.
Creating Brighter Futures... 2018 represents Yalari’s 13th year of providing educational scholarships for Indigenous children from regional, rural and remote areas of Australia. Together we have empowered our students to dream big and achieve their best. This journey continues because of inspirational and committed partners, Indigenous communities, donors, sponsors, supporters and volunteers. Each year at our fundraising dinners, we gather together to celebrate the many milestones achieved by our students. In 2018, each event will be a night of celebration and inspiration where you will hear the personal journeys of our Yalari students and Alumni. You will learn of the many positive outcomes created by the commitment and generosity of each member of the Yalari family. We look forward to welcoming our friends, new and old alike, to one of our events as we celebrate the difference we are making, together.
Sydney
22 June 2018 | Sofitel Sydney Wentworth
Melbourne
16 August 2018 | Leonda By The Yarra
Brisbane
19 October 2018 | BCEC
Adelaide
9 November 2018 | National Wine Centre of Australia
Tickets are on sale now! Visit www.yalari.org/tickets
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YALARI ALUMNI
A
culture of
Giving
YALARI ALUMNI
Nathan Geno (front right) volunteering at Orientation Camp
Nelson Foster (back middle) with new Yalari scholars
W
being available as a mentor while sharing in children’s journeys is important, but there is also a larger issue at play.
Since graduating from St Augustine’s College in Cairns in 2016, the pair have been actively involved in volunteering at Yalari.
“I think there has been much interest around Indigenous education in Australia because of the gap that still exists between Indigenous and nonIndigenous people in terms of health and education,” Nathan says.
atching the growth in confidence and attitude of young Indigenous children is what keeps Yalari graduates Nathan Geno and Nelson Foster connected to the organisation.
Nelson, who is currently studying a Bachelor of Engineering at the University of Queensland, says he finds the whole volunteer experience fulfilling. “I like helping out the kids who are finding the experience scary at first,” Nelson explains. “Looking out for them and giving them my insight, I believe, helps and prepares them for boarding school.” Currently studying a Bachelor of Physiotherapy (honours) at the University of Queensland, Nathan wanted to remain involved with Yalari so he could ‘give back’. “They [Yalari] played a significant role in my life and have helped me to get to university and study something that I’m passionate about,” Nathan says. “I also wanted to stress to the scholars how privileged they are to be a part of Yalari and not to take the great opportunity for granted.” Nelson and Nathan both agree that
!
Yalari Alumna Lyric Hearn (Class of 2016) was awarded the Young Citizen of the Year for the Barunga region at an Australia Day ceremony. Eighteen citizens from nine remote Top End communities were formally acknowledged for their outstanding community contributions at Australia Day ceremonies across the Roper Gulf region.
OUR PROUD Ambassadors
We love seeing members of the Yalari alumni out-and-about positively representing Yalari and doing themselves proud.
Similarly, Nelson believes the education of young Indigenous children is vital in order to close the gap. “We need to inspire and instil change in our society through the next generation of Indigenous leaders,” he says. For now, the duo are both working hard to complete there respective degrees but say their plans for the future include continuing to volunteer and work in the Indigenous community. Nathan hopes to develop his own foundation focusing on building strong and sustainable connections in junior sports development at grass-roots level. “I believe that by introducing accessible activities, such as sports, at a young age will help to decrease the rate of chronic disease as children grow. This is a continual battle in our [the Indigenous] community and I would like to improve the outcomes of our future generations so they too can achieve their dreams,” he says.
Have you ever thought about volunteering?
Volunteering at Yalari provides a meaningful way to make a difference. If you would like more information, please email our volunteer coordinator Pam Boavida at pboavida@yalari.org or call (07) 5665 8688.
Medicare RAP Launch
David de Busch (Class L to R: Waverley Stanley, Jaz of 2016), Ardu Cubillo s (Clas lo of 2015), Taylah Cubil e from Medibank (Class of 2017) and Sharnie Warn
HSF Clerkship Launch
The team from HSF Clerkship Program with Yalari alumni Monique Mallyer (Clas s of 2016 - far right) and Chelsea Oliver (Class of 2015 - second from right)
CDPP Fundraising Event L to R: Rekisha Satour (Class of 2016) and Taneale Lawton (Class of 2014) Yalari Quarterly Newsletter - March 2018 • www.yalari.org • 7
YALARI STUDENT SUPPORT PROGRAM
The
adventureBegins
ORIENTATION CAMP 2018 8 - 12 January 2018 | The Southport School
Orientation Camp is the biggest student camp in the Yalari calendar. It takes a small army of dedicated Yalari staff, volunteers and alumni to ensure all goes smoothly for the week long excursion. Now in its 12th year, Orientation Camp is the starting point for all new scholarship students embarking on the boarding school journey. It paves the way for a smooth transition from primary education and living at home in a regional, rural or remote community, to secondary education at some of Australia’s best independent boarding schools. This year, 101 students attended camp the largest combined group of new and returning students we have ever hosted.
As in previous years, we provided the opportunity for senior-school students to take up leadership positions during the camp. This helps them develop their mentoring and leadership skills in order to mentor the younger children. It also provides them with an opportunity to catch up with other Yalari scholars, share their experiences with those about to start the journey and learn some valuable skills for their next year of boarding. Orientation Camp forms an important part of the overall Yalari student support program with families and partner schools reporting that scholarship recipients start their boarding school journeys better prepared than other boarders.
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Thank you to everyone involved in making the camp a success, especially our volunteers: Claire Butler, Doug Williams, Issy Longson, Mara Vucak, Brody Lelievre (2012 graduate from Churchie in Brisbane); Finlay Yeeda, (2015 graduate from St Hilda’s on the Gold Coast); Nelson Foster and Nathan Geno (2016 graduates from St Augustine’s College Cairns); Syrana Glenn (2016 graduate from PLC in Armidale); and Zamahl Bin Busu (2017 graduate from Great Southern Grammar School in Albany).
camp facts 101
students
47 new scholars
42 returning scholars 12 senior school leaders Travel
101 students travelled 108,0000km
from the farthest reaches of Australia!
Thank you... Thank you to all our supporters, for being there from the beginning, as our new students embark on their Yalari journey. Yalari is grateful for the support of the Leroy and Joy Brauer Perpetual Charitable Trust in providing sponsorship for the 2018 Orientation Camp. The Leroy and Joy Brauer Perpetual Charitable Trust have been major sponsors of the Orientation Camp since 2009. Without this support, the Yalari Orientation Camp would not have been a reality for all these years. We acknowledge the generous support provided by CLSA Chairman’s Trust who came on-board this year as a major donor and sponsor, and have committed to being part of the Yalari family and supporting our Year 7 students for the next three years. We look forward to creating a special partnership. Greyhound Australia generously donated over 450 seats across five charter buses allowing students to travel to Surfers Paradise, Dreamworld and Brisbane Airport. Greyhound also generously provided water bottles for students and staff at the Camp.
What’s it about? Students starting Year 7 have the opportunity to learn about boarding school life in an environment where they can feel safe, can be inquisitive and can share the journey with other scholarship recipients. Returning scholarship students (who have completed their first year of boarding school) have the opportunity to share their experiences with new students. It also offers a chance to catch up with their peers and strengthen their support networks. Selected senior school students (Years 11 and 12) are able to develop leadership skills as camp leaders, role models and mentors for the younger students. Opportunities for Yalari graduates and alumni to return to camp as volunteers and ‘give back’ to Yalari; and to ensure the Yalari student and alumni cohort remains strong, supportive and inclusive.
The Leroy and Joy Brauer PERPETUAL CHARITABLE TRUST
Yalari Quarterly Newsletter - March 2018 • www.yalari.org • 9
YALARI STUDENT SUPPORT PROGRAM
s p m a C t r o p p student su further their at enable students to th s mp ca el lev ar ye d rstanding, awareness an Yalari facilitates annual de un eir th e nc ha en d r an connection to each othe ding school. ss for life beyond boar ne ed prepar
YEAR 10
The Yalari Year 10 Camp is an integral part of the student support program and largely focuses on community involvement and ‘paying-it-forward’. Held at the Jacob’s Well Environmental Education Centre, students were asked to think creatively about how they would raise money to fund a scholarship placement for another Yalari scholar. The initiative of ‘paying-itforward’ has been running for five years and is a meaningful way for
students to look beyond themselves and give something back. The first Yalari scholar to be sponsored under the initiative is now in Year 12!
learn new skills, build friendships, strengthen their support networks and get a feel for community living and giving.
Students were also given the opportunity to help at Rosies Friends On The Street, a wellrespected and long running organisation that provides food, drink and conversation to those living on the streets. This allowed students a first-hand experience at volunteering.
We thank the Cody Foundation, major sponsor of the Year 10 Camp for 2018. Sponsorship of our camps enables us to continue these important programs, primarily developed to give the students the best chance of success at boarding school and to stay connected with each other, their community and the Yalari family.
Overall, the camp encourages students to think creatively and
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YEAR 11 ents with an opportunity to The Year 11 camp provides stud hool options. seriously consider their post-sc University of Melbourne, the Held at Queens College at the overview of university life. venue gives students a realistic university’s Indigenous unit A visit to Murrup Barak, The s support available to student highlighted the help and ning. wishing to pursue higher lear a students to participate in The two-day camp allowed ing teas at ed aim all sentations, variety of workshops and pre er s in order to formulate a care itie abil and s out their passion plan.
Students enjoyed the ‘careers roundtable’ where they spoke to professionals from a wide range of sectors.
Thank you
rday’s Round Table event. rrup Barak and delegates at Satu We thank Queens College, Mu Jaclyn Ruediger
JLL
Resourcing Consultant, Careers
Jane Cole
Medibank
General Manager, Compliance and Regulatory Affairs
Rochelle Choyna
Accor Hotels
Regional Talent & Culture Manager
Heather Douglas
Herbert Smith Freehills
Solicitor
Jaide Begg
Deloitte
Digital Team
Pauline Snowdon
Fair Work Ombudsman
Assistance Director, People Strategy
Warrant Officer Class 2 Harlan Marks
Australian Army
Specialist Recruiting Team - Trades
Sergeant Dennis Maher
Australian Army
Specialist Recruiting Team - Indigenous
Gary O'Brien
Yalari
Student Development Coordinator Yalari Quarterly Newsletter - March 2018 • www.yalari.org • 11
YALARI PARTNERS AND SPONSORS
Findex Community Fund launches to support charities across Australia and New Zealand
Trevor Pascall from Crowe Horwath (part of Findex), Yalari Fundraising Manager Jenni Heenan and Yalari Founding Director Waverley Stanley ahead of the launch of the Findex Community Fund.
Yalari is proud to have been selected as one of three Australian charity partners through the newly created Findex Community Fund (FCF). Findex, Australasia’s leading provider of integrated financial advisory and accounting services, created the charity initiative to support programs focusing on Health, Education and Entrepreneurship. Findex and its subsidiaries have committed to a multi-year program to support organisations across Australia and New Zealand, demonstrating a long-term commitment to local community initiatives that will result in millions of dollars being deployed over time. In addition to Yalari’s inclusion in the Community Fund, Findex are sponsoring the scholarships of two Indigenous children to attend boarding school. “We are honoured that Findex has chosen to support Yalari and Indigenous education. You are helping create opportunities for Indigenous children to receive a quality education and make a positive difference in their communities,” Founding Director of Yalari, Waverley Stanley said. “Thank you to the team at Findex for sharing in the vision of empowering Indigenous young people with unlimited possibilities,” he said. 12 • Yalari Quarterly Newsletter - March 2018 • www.yalari.org
Thank you to our friends at Paradise First Aid for helping out with the purchase of a defibrillator for Yalari camps and events. Here is Andy (middle left) and Keira (right) from Paradise First Aid presenting the device to Jodie (left) and Pam from Yalari. Hopefully we will never need it!
Vacation Clerkship Program
Thank you to the team at Herbert Smith Freehills in Brisbane for putting smiles on the faces of our new Year 7 Yalari scholars as they started boarding school for the first time. Clerks were tasked with brainstorming and then purchasing items to create a ‘welcome pack’ for the new Year 7 students in Queensland based on the student’s profile. The theme behind these packs was to make the ‘transition from home to boarding school easier.’ The team showed so much passion and enthusiasm which was reflected in the reactions of our Yalari ‘newbies’ when they received the packs.
om Jorga and Sasha fr ed joy en ’s da Hil St the giggled at the e photos and loved th s... te no en handwritt
Jay and Luke from to TSS were stoked y’ ot ‘fo receive their ! gs ba t gif themed
CDPP employees lead fundraising initiative
T
he Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions (CDPP) held their first national fundraising event on Wednesday, 14 March as part of the staff-led initiative known as their ‘Together let’s….’ charity of the year program. Yalari was selected by staff as the chosen charity to support in 2018. “Staff at the CDPP are proud to support Yalari and its aim to deliver generational change for Indigenous communities throughout Australia through it education scholarships and support programs,” said Scott Bruckard, Deputy Director at CDPP. Following the success of their regional fundraising L to R: Yalari alumni Rekisha Satour and Taneale Lawton, Waverley Stanley, Sarah McNaughton events where staff collectively donated more than (Director CDPP), Churchie student Lachlan Toovey, Scott Bruckard & Alyssa Brewer $1,300 in just two weeks, they were motivated to increase their fundraising tally to $1,500 by the end of their first national event. Connected via weblink, staff in each of their 10 offices had the unique opportunity to hear from Yalari’s special guests, including Founding Director Waverley Stanley, Yalari scholar and Churchie student Lachlan Toovey and Yalari alumni Rekisha Satour and Taneale Lawton. CDPP staff listened to the personal stories and experiences shared, solidifying the CDPP’s motivation for supporting Yalari’s mission to empower and educate young Indigenous children. The CDPP’s first national fundraising gathering was a wonderful success, receiving donations of $1,106.15 on the day, bringing their fundraising tally to an incredible $2,473.40! In response to their fundraising success, Charity Program Leader, Alyssa Brewer said, “the fundraising results to date are a testament to the terrific team of Fundraising Ambassadors and passionate staff here at the CDPP— this is a wonderful start and we are very excited to see the figure continue to grow as we continue our exciting fundraising activities throughout the year”.
Welcome Opportunity 11!
Here at Yalari we believe it takes a whole community to educate Mr Mrs Miss Ms a child. Last year, we launched our People Power initiative including The Power of Ten. The Power of Ten encourages people to join with their friends or colleagues in the sponsorship of a Yalari scholarship. Each friend ‘chips-in’ towards the cost of a boarding school scholarship for an Indigenous child.
P WER
OF
TEN
10 friends, one future...
One of the first to sign-up was a group of friends from Brisbane, naming themselves ‘Opportunity Eleven’. “We had heard a lot about the Yalari program over a number of years but this year, a group of 11 couples decided to invest in the program,” explains Lachie Hart, a member of Opportunity 11. During Yalari’s recent Orientation Camp, the group were inspired when they met the new students together with their Year 8 ‘buddies’. They also had the opportunity to meet senior students and Yalari graduates. “We were overwhelmed by the talent, confidence and their aspirations for the future. The word ‘opportunity’ was used a lot in their conversations which is why we chose the name ‘Opportunity 11’ for our syndicate; and why we have chosen Yalari to provide this opportunity for young Indigenous Australians,” Lachie says.
‘Opportunity 11’ members meeting Yalari scholars at Orientation Camp.
Will you and your friends join forces and give Indigenous children the chance to dream big and achieve? www.yalari.org to find out more! Yalari Quarterly Newsletter - March 2018 • www.yalari.org • 13
YALARI PARTNER SCHOOL
Educating Indigenous Children
®
Working together since 2009 to educate and empower Indigenous children
Students were inv olved in creating the Indigenous Garden, located in the centr e of the school.
A Community Culture Kinross Wolaroi School (KWS) has a rich boarding heritage and connection with generations of regional families seeking a co-educational and independent boarding and day school for their family from PrePrep to Year 12, with separate boarding sites for boys and girls from Year 7. With a strong tradition of welcoming Indigenous families, KWS supports them to make the most of the opportunities available in Orange. At the same time, KWS recognises the many ways Indigenous culture contributes to the dynamism of the School and enriches the whole community. As such, KWS has been in partnership with Yalari since 2009 and in 2018, there are eight Yalari scholars boarding at the school.
KWS believes it is important that students not only stay connected to culture but continue to strengthen their sense of identity. Students are involved in school and community based activities that provide opportunities for them to display how proud they are of their culture but also provide the wider school community the chance to experience Australia’s rich heritage. The Yalari students are particularly keen to be involved in the local community and after receiving a grant in 2017, KWS will start a Mentor Program with local Primary School Glenroi Heights Public. The program will involve KWS Indigenous students becoming mentors for primary school aged Indigenous students. This program will be student driven with
14 • Yalari Quarterly Newsletter - March 2018 • www.yalari.org
Co-ordinator, Indigenous Students (‘Beggsie’) with Mr Anthony Begg lars Charlize Year 7 Yalari scho l Byrne Watson and Ange
guidance from KWS and Glenroi Heights Public School staff. “I’m really looking forward to working with other young Indigenous students, hopefully I can make a difference for them to reach their goals,” reveals Alanah Tompkins, a Year 9 Yalari scholar. “It will provide the opportunity for the students and mentors to get out of our comfort zone, hopefully this will help with our self-confidence. I enjoy being around kids and I am excited about being a role model,” she continues. As part of the school’s strategic direction in 2018, Indigenous Students Co-ordinator, Anthony Begg will lead a tour to East Arnhem Land on the schools inaugural Cultural Immersion program. Staff and
Kinross Wolaroi School
Student Update
We find out what our Yalari scholars at KWS have been up to! Jade Joliffe KWS Junior Orange AECG Representative
Jade represents KWS at Junior AECG Meetings and has been involved in organising community events including NAIDOC Week, School Ball and Awards night. She also recently received a citizenship merit point for taking initiative in class and helping others. L to R: (Front) Principal Dr Andrew Parry, Anna Robinson, Charlize Watson, Angel Byrne, Sienna Lincoln, Jade Joliffe (Back) Chelsea Edwards, Tyrese Carr-White and Alanah Tompkins
“I have seen many Yalari students start and finish at the school and seeing their personal development and growth is wonderful. The students face many challenges but it’s a journey not just for the child but for the families too. Being part of the Yalari mob allows them to have another layer of support and students really do become big sisters and brothers for each other. And of course, Llew and Wave are Mum and Dad. I love my job! I thoroughly enjoy working with young people, it is such a privilege to be supporting them as they shape their futures.”
Alanah Tompkins 2017 NAIDOC School Award for Effort and Persistence
- Mr Anthony Begg
Where
are they now?
Ashley Hudson Class of 2014 Full time Youth Worker for the Orange City Council. Tyrese Carr-Whit e
students will travel to East Arnhem Land to experience the world’s oldest living culture in one of its most unique environments. The tour is open to all students in Years 10, 11 & 12. The goal is to widen the students’ frame of reference, simultaneously educate and inspire our school’s ‘leaders of tomorrow’ through two-way learning.
“It is great for our students to be part of a school that not only appreciates cultural diversity but actively encourages it,” says Llew Mullins, Managing Director of Yalari. “The support that Indigenous students receive at KWS is remarkable and we look forward to many more years working in partnership,” she says.
Chelsea Edwards 2017 Yalari Sydney Dinner Resilience Award Chelsea was selected from the New South Wales Yalari scholars to receive the Resilience Award for her qualities of strength and courage. She also recently earned academic merit points for PDHPE and Maths.
Lorrae-June Kennedy Class of 2015 Currently studying a Bachelor or Business Management at University of New England Armidale. Lorrae undertook an internship over the summer with career trackers at Optus head office in Sydney and was part of the retail improvement team. She is also the Vice President of the Indigenous Students’ Association at university. Lara Briggs Class of 2015 Lara and partner Sam welcomed Kyah into the world in December 2017. Kyah means “to speak” in Wemba Wemba language. Makayla Dutton Class of 2017 Currently enjoying a gap year while living and working in Jabaru, NT.
Sienna Lincoln Indigenous Connections Aboriginal Model Search 2017 National Finalist Sienna was also selected to complete in the rowing regatta in Canberra. Tyrese Carr-White History Tour 2017 “The Europe tour was a great experience for me because History is one of my favourite subjects and I had never been overseas before. The purpose of the trip was to visit places significant to the contribution of Australians on the Western Front. We visited London, Belgium, France and Berlin with my favourite locations being Paris and London. I was very grateful I got the opportunity to go and I particularly appreciate the enormous amount of work Mum did to fundraise. “ Chelsea Edwards, Anna Robinson and Angel Byrne are all participating in the 2018 School Musical ‘High School Musical’. Charlize Watson and Angel Byrne have joined the school ensemble choir.
Yalari Quarterly Newsletter - March 2018 • www.yalari.org • 15
Educating Indigenous Children
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13 13 YEARS OF YALARI
On April 13, Yalari celebrates
13 years of educating and empowering Indigenous children.
Starting with 3 children in 2005, there are now 187 students on scholarships and 313 alumni.
Thank you for your generous belief and support, and for giving 2013 Yalari scholarship graduate, Denzel Tighe, currently studying a Bachelor of Primary Education at the University of Sydney.
500 children the chance to reach their full potential.
Please help us continue the life-changing journey of education and empowerment for Indigenous children Donate today at www.yalari.org 18 0 3 YA L NE WS