Educating Indigenous Children
YALARI NEWS
®
Issue 41 | Summer 2018
NYUNGULGAN BUGALIHGU
“Summe r W riting”
YAL ARI NEWSROOM
Brigadier Michael Bond, Year 12 St Peter’s College Adelaide and Yalari graduate Calvin Hunter, 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, Excellence.
www.yalari.org YALARI LIMITED PO BOX 1355 Oxenford QLD 4210 P: 07 5665 8688 F: 07 5665 8611 info@yalari.org www.yalari.org
ABN: 66 113 794 148 ACN: 113 794 148 Yalari is a not-forprofit company limited by guarantee.
Yalari respects our Elders, past and present, and acknowledges that the Yalari office is on Kombumerri country within the lands of the Yugambeh language group.
2018 is now coming to a close for “Team Yalari”. There have been a few changes lately following a retirement and a career change of two long-serving staff members and dear friends. Leanda Cooper, our business manager for some nine years, is sailing off into the retirement blue yonder with her husband Colin; and Gary “Bros” O’Brien has moved to Morwell to undertake social work at Anglicare Victoria. I am extremely thankful to them both for their friendship, hard work and commitment — I will surely miss them. I do however, feel confident in their successors Nathan Carger (Business Manager) and Michael Cedar (Student Development Coordinator). A very warm welcome to you both. We have 33 Year 12 graduates this year and we wish them all the very best for the new chapter in their lives as they pursue their own personal goals. My advice for these young adults: make some mistakes, learn from them, never forget where you come from and never forget your mob. To our Yalari children, congratulations on your achievements at your respective boarding schools and for completing another year of life lessons, that will benefit you now and also in the future. Have a great holiday and enjoy every moment with your family and loved ones.
We welcomed three new board members to further strengthen the corporate governance of Yalari: John Campbell, Cameron Prout and Edward Watkin. Thanks so very much to Bruce Davidson (Acting Chair), Llew Mullins and Karen Spiller in your guidance of Yalari during our thirteenth year of operation. To our wonderful Yalari staff, both long term and new this year, thank you so very much for your work ethic, your commitment and your expertise in ensuring Yalari is constantly moving and growing. Thank you for undertaking the necessary and vital role of aiding the empowerment and education of our Yalari scholars. To all of the volunteers, friends, supporters, donors, parents, guardians, boarding school staff who have supported us throughout this year and believe in the ideal of educating our Yalari children at boarding schools — thanks for the unwavering support, generosity and kindness. We are so very grateful. “The grand essentials to happiness in this life are something to do, something to love, and something to hope for.” George W. Burnap
Nyungulgan Bugalihgu “Summer Writing” Bundjalung (also spelt Bandjalang or Banjalang) belongs to the Pama-Nyungan family of Australian languages. The Bundjalung language was spoken in an area that included the north-east corner of New South Wales and the south-eastern corner of Queensland. Cover Image: Year 12 Yalari Graduates. Back (L to R) - Ryan Brown (St Ignatius’ College, Riverview), Ali Crawshaw-Tomlins (St Ignatius’ College, Riverview) Front - Kayla Baker-Peris (Kambala), Alana Sharpley (Abbotsleigh), Kiara Davies (Abbotsleigh)
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.
2 | Yalari News - “Summer Writing” 2018
STAR STRUCK!
The Southport School Year 7 students and Yalari scholars Luke Tennant and Jay Campbell attended the TSS Foundation Breakfast where they met tennis champion Patrick Rafter, rugby great Tom Lawton and cricket hero Ian Healy!
dates to remember December 2018 15th
Yalari office closes for Christmas break
January 2019 2nd
Yalari office reopens
2nd
2020 scholarship applications open
14th - 18th
Yalari Orientation Camp
April 2019 30th
Ready to make the switch? If you currently receive a printed copy of Yalari News have you ever thought about going green? You can make the switch by emailing your name and email address to info@yalari.org, and write ‘Paperless’ in the subject bar.
GET READY! GET SET!
Excitement is building for the 46 new students who are joining Yalari on the Rosemary Bishop Indigenous Education Scholarship Program in 2019. Many have already visited the school uniform shop! Anticipation is also mounting among Yalari staff as we prepare to welcome Years 7 and 8 Yalari scholars to the Gold Coast in January for Orientation Camp. We can’t wait!
2020 Scholarship Applications Close
May 2019 31st
2019 Yalari Sydney Dinner
our best wishes... Many thanks to these two outstanding women who have supported Yalari and our girls in their capacity as heads of boarding at their respective schools. Val Lovell, Head of Boarding at The Glennie School, has been with us since day dot, when our first Yalari scholars were enrolled in 2006. Elaine Riley is the Director of Boarding at MLC Perth who has been with us since 2016. All the very best wishes for your retirement and thank you for the care, love and kindness you have shown our Yalari girls over the years.
Yalari News - “Summer Writing” 2018 | 3
YAL ARI NEWSROOM
ST U D E NT UP DATES
AND ACHIEVEMENTS! Year 11 Scotch College Adelaide student Shahleena Martin completed a Certificate III in Fitness through the South Australian Aboriginal Sports Training Academy (SAASTA). She was also awarded the Women’s Aboriginal AFL Academy Academic Achievement Award.
Year 11 Riverview student, Shuaib Rhodes-Swain has been nominated as a Proctor for 2019. A Proctor is a leader in the boarding community who sets an example for the younger students and takes care of various responsibilities within the boarding routine such as organising students at dinner and saying prayers.
Year 12 Toowoomba Grammar School graduates, Jacob and Isaac Burgoyne have been offered pre-entry into the University of New England for a Bachelor of Nursing degree. Both boys are hoping to achieve their ultimate goal of entry into studies in the Joint Medical Program at UNE. In early December, they are undertaking the 7 day Miroma Bunbilla program at UNE providing insight into studying medicine and learning about the skills required in the program, participating in problem-based and groupbased learning. 4 | Yalari News - “Summer Writing” 2018
Year 10 student, Hayley Hunt was part of the John Paul College bronze medal winning side at the Basketball Interschool State Championships.
Year 8 Toowoomba Grammar School student, Reghan Bales received an academic achievement award at speech night.
Yalari scholars continue to work hard, dream big... and achieve!
Norah Hegedus, Year 10 student at St Hilda’s was a member of winning rowing team in the QGSSSA rowing competition.
Year 9 Churchie student, Matao Bonney is the Churchie Track and Field Age Champion (15 years).
Year 7 Kinross Wolaroi School student Angel Byrne was presented with an Academic Progress Award for accumulating five merit points, recognising the effort that has resulted in individual improvement in the classroom.
Caleb Laifoo, Year 8 student at The Southport School received Full Academic Colours for effort, pride and application.
Year 12 The Southport School student, Keriba Bligh was awarded with the Year 12 House Spirit Award.
Tenika Roe, Scotch College Adelaide student, was awarded a Year 11 Service Prize at speech night.
Kealey Griffiths, Year 12 student at St Margaret’s Anglican Girls’ School, has achieved Full Academic Honours, is the Dux of Maths A (Mathematics A Prize) and received a Full Academic Pocket. Kealey’s future aspirations include studying Bachelor of Pharmacy, Bachelor of Biomedical Science at the University of Queensland. Year 7 MLC Perth student, Leila Bellotti has received an Academic Incentive Award.
2020 YALARI SCHOLARSHIP
Lenka Rivers, Year 12 St Hilda’s student has recently completed a Diploma of Business. Year 10 The Southport School student, Kiira Bligh has received an award for Best Potential (Year 10 Rowing) and Best & Fairest (U16s Rugby). He also won the Delpratt Year 10 Sportsman of the Year Trophy.
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.
Thalia Saunders, Neitayah Prince, Jekeirah Major and Bryoni Marshall from Scots PGC Warwick were members of the grand final winning netball side in their competition.
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 2020.
Year 7 Churchie student Emil WillieJawai was presented with the Cultural and Environmental Awareness Award and the Most Outstanding All-round Contributor to the Spiritual Life of the Chapel Award at the recent Churchie Speech Day.
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 students, families and partner schools to provide a high level of support in all aspects of student welfare. Scholarship information including the application pack for scholarships commencing in 2020 will be available online at www.yalari.org from 2 January 2019. Applications close Tuesday 30 April 2019.
Year 9 Scotch College Adelaide student Tyler Slater was awarded the prize for Most Valuable Junior Boy.
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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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. Yalari News - “Summer Writing” 2018 | 5
YAL ARI NEWSROOM
YALARI HQ... WARM WELCOMES AND SAD GOODBYES Leanda Cooper, Yalari’s Business Manager for the past nine years, has resigned from Yalari to join her husband in retirement. Leanda has been a steady force of growth, solid governance and innovative business policies and procedures during her time at Yalari. We wish Leanda every health and happiness in her retirement and thank her for the incredible contribution she has made.
We are pleased to welcome Yalari’s new Business Manager, Nathan Carger. Nathan is a chartered accountant with a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) from Flinders University. With over 18 years experience in public practice accounting, Nathan brings strong financial, accounting and leadership skills. Nathan has a commitment to social justice and a sense of community and is looking forward to being part of the Yalari team.
Gareth O’Brien has left the position of Student Development Coordinator after accepting a position interstate. Gary has been a member of the Yalari team since 2009 and has been integral to the success of many student support workshops, camps and activities; his care and support of the Yalari students has been second to none. We thank Gary for the positive differences he has made to the lives of Yalari students and wish him good luck in his future endeavours. With a background in connecting Indigenous secondary students to post-school opportunities, Michael Cedar joins Yalari having most recently been the Head of Indigenous Engagement at Gurijala Services. Michael is also an experienced educator and mentor, having worked in youth detention and secondary school environments. We welcome Michael to the Yalari team in the capacity of Student Development Coordinator.
NEW BOARD APPOINTMENTS We are honoured to welcome three new directors to the Yalari Board: John Campbell, Eddie Watkin and Cameron Prout. Each individual brings valuable experience and expertise, as well as a passion for the Yalari cause and community. The three new appointments complement Yalari’s ongoing growth and vision for the future and support our mission of empowering Indigenous youth through education.
Edward Watkin
John Campbell
Cameron Prout
Born and raised in Cairns, Eddie’s rich Indigenous Australian cultural heritage comes from Erub and Mabuiag Islands of the Torres Strait.
John has a wealth of investment management experience, having spent more than 24 years in a variety of roles within the industry. Prior to founding Avoca Investment Management, John spent six years at UBS where he was Managing Director / Portfolio Manager of the UBS Australian Small Companies Fund, which was awarded the Australian Fund Managers’ Best Small Cap Fund Manager of the Year in 2009. John joined UBS in 2004 from Credit Suisse First Boston where he was a Director of Equity Research Sales.
Cameron joined the Yalari Board to help create opportunities in perpetuity for future generations of Indigenous children to realise their dreams and have a lasting impact on all Australians.
Eddie is one of Australia’s leading facilitators and highly respected leadership educators. He is a leadership entrepreneur, coach, mentor, strategist, presenter, author and speaker, and a lifelong learner of leadership. Eddie’s passion is to build, strengthen and advance better leadership connections between everyday people. He has had the privilege of coming alongside youth to inspire them to achieve their leadership best. He has coached executives and senior executives in business leadership. He has mentored people who want to make a difference in their personal lives and has had the honour of facilitating events for people who want to transform nations. 6 | Yalari News - “Summer Writing” 2018
He has worked in a broad range of roles within the industry including equity analysis, trading and sales at various financial institutions including Maple-Brown Abbott, Bankers Trust Australia and JP Morgan Private. Prior to working in financial markets, John was employed as an auditor with Price Waterhouse.
Cameron is the Head of Fundraising and Philanthropy at UnitingCare, helping hundreds of thousands of people and families throughout Queensland live life in all its fullness. Cameron is responsible for fundraising and philanthropy across UnitingCare’s health, aged care and community services including Lifeline, Blue Care, The Wesley Hospital and St Andrew’s War Memorial Hospital as well as UnitingCare’s vast range of community programs. Previously the Chief Executive Officer of the Queensland Children’s Hospital Foundation and the Heart Foundation for over 18 years, Cameron led the efforts to significantly increase the impact, profile and revenue of both organisations.
QA & YAL ARI ALUMNI
Nadia Martich Mob: Gamilaroi and Bigambul | Age: 24
Yalari Class of: 2011, Calrossy Anglican School Yalari alumna, Nadia chats about her Yalari experience and how it has brought positive change to her life. To you, what is the best part about Yalari? Being part of a group of young Indigenous people who are all passionate about education, pride of culture and being positive role models. What are you up to at the moment? I am currently working as the Perth Yalari Student Support Officer while studying a degree in Indigenous Studies through the University of South Australia. I also work as an independent Aboriginal contemporary dance artist and have just returned from a regional and remote WA tour with ‘Ochre Contemporary Dance Company’. What have you learnt from your Yalari experience? I’ve learnt a great deal of gratitude for everyone who has contributed to my education and ongoing support from the Yalari family. Being on Yalari has given me a great strength and pride in my Indigenous culture and identity, and has encouraged me to always believe in myself, give back to community and set high goals. Do you have any advice for the current Yalari scholars? Keep supporting one another to get through school — we carry a lot of weight on our shoulders to make our families and Yalari proud. Be role models for our younger siblings and cousins, achieve well in school and have a lot of fun along the way! Each Yalari scholar and alumnus can relate to one another through our unique shared experiences and help each other through support, understanding, empathy and encouragement. So reach out to one another — connect, learn, share and grow. We have all been given an amazing opportunity that sets us up for life so it’s best to make the most of it!
Yalari News - “Summer Writing” 2018 | 7
YAL ARI STUDENT SUPPORT PROGRAM
Alana Sharpley
Abbotsleigh
Ali Crawshaw-Tomlins
St Ignatius’ College Riverview
Alkira Miller
Great Southern Grammar School
Angel Miller
Scotch College, Adelaide
Calvin Hunter
Geoffrey Swan
St Peter’s College, Adelaide
The Southport School
Congratulations
Zainel Bin Busu
Great Southern Grammar School
YALARI CLASS OF 2018
Tramaine Laterre
Great Southern Grammar School
Tex Garstone
Geelong Grammar School
Tathra Lowe
Methodist Ladies’ College. Melbourne
Yalari’s Year 12 Graduation Ceremony is an annual celebration to honour the courage, resilience and perseverance required by students to complete six years at boarding school. It is also an opportunity to recognise the successes and achievements of the graduating class and acknowledge those who have helped make it possible. The Royal Military College in Canberra once again made their beautiful facilities at Duntroon House available to Yalari, creating the perfect setting for this exciting and emotional day.
Sarah-Cait Kirkland
Following the official ceremony and lunch, graduates headed to the snow fields for some much deserved rest and recuperation. It has been a long-standing tradition at Yalari for the Year 12s to celebrate together, for one last time, with their peers who have been with them every step of the way. Yalari would like to congratulate all 33 of this year’s graduates and wish them every happiness and success as they start their journey as a member of the Yalari alumni.
2,304
33 graduates
plane flights
48,384 nights at boarding school
John Paul College
Ryan See Kee
St Augustine’s College
Ryan O’Callaghan
St Peter’s College, Adelaide
Ryan Brown
St Ignatius’ College Riverview
Rhiannon Revell-Blair
St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School
Reece Eades
Scotch College, Perth
Quilon Councillor
St Peter’s College, Adelaide
Yalari camps and activities offer students the chance to catch-up with each other, seek support or advice and undertake personal growth and development.
Grace Haslett
Scotch College, Adelaide
Isaac Burgoyne
Toowoomba Grammar School
Isabella O’Hara
Canberra Girls’ Grammar School
Jacob Burgoyne
Toowoomba Grammar School
Jada Davui
St Hilda’s School
They are an integral and important part of the Yalari student support program.
Jaimee Ladyman
Great Southern Grammar School
with thanks.. We acknowledge and thank Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF) for sponsoring the Year 12 Graduation Ceremony. Thanks also to Brigadier Michael Bond for attending the ceremony and assisting with the presentations and Associate Professor Bob Breen for organising Duntroon House.
2018 YALARI VALEDICTORIAN Koby Sellings
Johanna Loban
St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School
...To my fellow Year 12s. My brothers and sisters. My fam. The squad. The gang. The WOLFPACK! Congratulations! We did it! Yalari Graduates! Class of 2018! Feel it! Breathe it in! Taste it!
Kayla Baker-Peris Kambala
Every one of you deserved this opportunity and have definitely made the most of it. We’ve all had our ups and downs from time to time. For some, it may have been when we first started, and for others, it may have been this year, or perhaps it was in between. But it feels pretty good to be here after going through it all, aye?! It feels pretty good to be here in Canberra, saying that we have graduated Yalari and our only obstacle left is those exams.
Kealey Griffiths
St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School
I hope that you are all proud of yourselves and I’m sure that the impact you have had on your families and communities has not gone unnoticed. We are all role models in our own unique way and I’m extremely proud to say that I started this journey with you guys and am now finishing with you.
Keriba Bligh
The Southport School
Molly Trindall
Presbyterian Ladies College Armidale
Marcus Paterson
Geelong Grammar School
Lenka Rivers
St Hilda’s School
Lakeycha Farnham
Geelong Grammar School
Koby Sellings
Geelong Grammar School
Kiara Davies
Abbotsleigh
YA L A R I PA RT N E R S A N D S P O N S O R S
our big
Yalari family
A VERY KIND GESTURE Thank you to Auntie Chris, Auntie Noel and Auntie Jo for the wonderful quilts that were handmade especially for some of our new Year 7 students. We are sure these special gifts will make the children feel more ‘at home’ in their boarding house. We also thank Gabrielle Greenwood who handcrafted a beautiful quilt, to be auctioned at a Yalari fundraising dinner in 2019.
CDPP FUNDRAISING INITIATIVE
Deputy Director (Organised Crime and Counter-terrorism) CDPP, Scott Bruckard, Llew Mullins and Alyssa Brewer (CDPP)
Yalari was chosen as the 2018 charity partner for the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions (CDPP) staff-led fundraising activities. During the year, CDPP staff have banded together through various initiatives and have raised in excess of $16,000. Llew Mullins, Managing Director of Yalari, was delighted to accept the cheque during a special presentation.
“Over the past 4 months I have been putting in hard yards to try to take it to the next stage, to complete a full marathon and to raise money for a really worthwhile cause in Yalari. It’s fundamental to the notion of a ‘fair go’ that everyone has a chance to get to where their talent can take them, irrespective of backgrounds.” - David Sewell David raised over $1,620 by competing in the 2018 Medibank Melbourne Marathon with proceeds going towards the CDPP fundraising effort.
This incredible amount continues to grow with more donations coming in and as a result, the monies raised will be allocated to the sponsorship of a Year 7 student in 2019. Special thanks to Sarah McNaughton, Scott Bruckard and Alyssa Brewer for their incredible support and belief and our sincere thanks to all the CDPP team across Australia for their commitment. 10 | Yalari News - “Summer Writing” 2018
Yalari boys Kenny Jacks and Beau Kendall from Scots PCG reading the CDPP messages of encouragement written by staff.
“Our mission is to promote music education for underprivileged youth and raise funds for local nonprofit organizations by combining the power of music and the generosity of the global legal community.” Law Rocks provides an opportunity for the global legal community to bring attention and funding to deserving local non-profits. Their vision is to make a real difference in cities around the world by raising funds and attention for local organisations that change local lives. They support their mission by putting on epic battle of the bands fundraising concerts in cities around the world, which star legal professionals-turned-rockstars. Yalari is delighted to have been selected as the charity beneficiary of the Law Rocks ‘Battle of the Bands’ across Australia for 2019. To learn more about Law Rocks and find out the 2019 concert dates www.lawrocks.org.
ESPRESSO HOUSE ENERGY! Thank you to Michelle and Robbie, owners of Espresso House in Windsor, who have placed a Yalari collection box on the front counter of their shop. The box is also attracting proceeds from the sale of Indigenous art instore. It is a pleasure to see this enthusiastic and inspired couple wanting to do their bit to make a positive difference.
Yalari scholars with Lorraine Wohling from Lipman Karas.
Thank you to our wonderful friends and supporters at Lipman Karas who warmly welcomed Yalari staff and students to their office in Adelaide recently. Lipman Karas have been supporting Yalari students since 2011 and also assist with tutoring, mentoring and conducting workshops. We value this long-standing partnership that is achieving remarkable outcomes for our Indigenous students in SA.
The Walton Family - Aaron, Deb, Elias, Noemi & Isaac
We extend a thank you to very special young man, Elias Walton. On September 15, Elias held his Bar Mitzvah and asked his guests to donate to Yalari in lieu of gifts or money. Donations from the event amounted an astonishing $3,654!
COFACE NATIONAL CONFERENCE Yalari alumnus, Mitch Whiteley recently attended the Coface ‘Stay Contemporary’ Soiree on the evening of their national conference to address the crowd and talk about Yalari. Yalari is the Trade Aid Partner of Coface and the recipient of fundraising efforts. Thank you guys!
Mitch (right) with members of the Coface team
AN OUTSTANDING EFFORT, ONE AND ALL! During October and November, the wonderful folks at job-search site EthicalJobs.com.au chose Yalari as their special not-for-profit organisation and matched, dollar for dollar, any donation to the Yalari campaign – up to $20,000! We can now announce that with your help and through your unparalleled generosity, we raised over $21,000. EthicalJobs.com.au have matched the $20,000 giving us a total of over $41,000, enabling two Indigenous children to learn, dream and achieve through an educational scholarship in 2019. Thank you to everyone who took part in this initiative. We will never stop being overwhelmed by the generosity and spirit of the Yalari community. Yalari News - “Summer Writing” 2018 | 11
YA L A R I PA RT N E R S C H O O L S
A N EN D UR ING PA RTNERSHIP
OF SUCCESS
Current Yalari scholars Back (L to R): Ella Nona, Sopheena Toovey, Tyeena Pang, Ms Ros Curtis, Indira Laifoo, Bella Griffiths Front: Elyne Tighe, Nadia Seriat, Shemyliah Ahmat
ST MARGARET’S ANGLICAN GIRLS’ SCHOOL It is a shared passion for diversity, Indigenous education and empowerment of young women that has enabled the partnership between St Margaret’s Anglican Girls’ School and Yalari to flourish. Starting in 2010, with the admission of two Indigenous students on Yalari scholarships, St Margaret’s is currently attended by 12 Yalari students, ranging from Year 7 to Year 12. A further 11 have graduated from the school and have gone on to study at university, join the workforce or become parents. “St Margaret’s partnership with Yalari is a strong one,” says Ms Ros Curtis, the school’s principal. “In 2019 there will be a record of 14 Yalari girls at the school,” she continues.
Educating Indigenous Children
Ms Curtis believes that although St Margaret’s is helping Indigenous students access an education which they might not otherwise have, there is great benefit to the school as well. “The cultural understanding of all our students and our community is very much enriched by our partnership with Yalari,” she explains. “To earn a Yalari scholarship is life-changing and St Margaret’s is very proud to be a part of each student’s educational journey,” she says. Yalari staff and students look forward to another enriching, rewarding and successful year as part of the St Margaret’s community in 2019.
ents - 2012
Yalari stud
®
Working together since 2010 to educate and empower Indigenous children 12 | Yalari News - “Summer Writing” 2018
ents with
Yalari stud
Ms Curtis
in 2011
ST MARGARET’S ANGLICAN GIRLS’ SCHOOL
Abou t
St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School, situated in Ascot in Brisbane’s northern suburbs, is an independent day and boarding school for girls from Pre-Prep to Year 12. They also welcome boys in Pre-Prep and Prep. There are approximately 920 students in the school, with around 285 primary students and 635 girls in the secondary school. St Margaret’s has a long and proud boarding history and around 170 boarders from Years 5 to 12 are accommodated in the boarding house, which is in the very heart of the Ascot campus. St Margaret’s is well known for its focus on academic excellence, quality learning and teaching, and its commitment to pastoral care. Its smaller size is its greatest strength, with a true focus on each individual child and personalised learning.
Where are they now? St Margaret’s
Alumni Update Taneale Lawton Class of 2014
Taneale completed a Diploma of Business Administration in 2018 while working part-time at Yalari. She is the current Chair of the Yalari Alumni Association. Taneale has been accepted into Queensland University of Technology to study a Bachelor of Business commencing in 2019.
Raelene Pearson Class of 2016 Raelene graduated from Kapooka in 2018 as an Army Recruit.
Kia Arndt Class of 2016
2014 Yalari Brisbane Dinner (L to R): Joh Loban, Kristen Sharpe, Lesa Fowler, Kia Arndt, Brianna Cameron , Jondayah Martin, Ros Curtis and Taneale Lawton
The Brisbane Yalari Dinner is a time to celebrate the St Margaret’s Yalari students and is an absolute privilege to attend. Since the beginning of our partnership with Yalari, I have been fortunate enough to attend the annual dinners, a time in which I am able to reflect in the wonderful work of Yalari. This
year
we
inspirational
witnessed
story
of
the
Tyeena
Pang, one of our Year 10 scholars. Listening
to
her
express
her
gratitude for the opportunities she has been provided with made me feel incredibly proud. As Head of Boarding at St Margaret’s, my staff and I have worked towards celebrating cultural diversity and the importance of understanding differences within our community, an aspect of boarding that our Yalari girls have been integral in developing. They have shared their traditions, taught the other girls about their culture, have shared their stories and overarchingly help to broaden the horizons of the St Margaret’s boarding community. - Lesa Fowler, Head of Boarding
Kia is studying a Bachelor of Health Science (Nutritional and Diabetic Medicine) at Endeavour College of Natural Health. Upon completion of her degree she would like to return home to Thursday Island to work as a nutritionist. Kia is also employed by Accor via the Yalari Pathways Program and is working at Sofitel Brisbane Central as a food and beverage attendant.
Monique Mallyer Class of 2016
Monique is currently studying a Bachelor of Human Services (Child Services) at The University of Southern Queensland where she is an Indigenous Student Ambassador. Monique has also completed internships with JLL and Telstra via the Yalari Pathways Program.
Jondayah Martin Class of 2017
Jondayah completed a Diploma of Communications at Bond University in 2018 and plans to further her tertiary education in 2019.
Yalari News - “Summer Writing” 2018 | 13
YA L A R I PAT H W AY S
Development Opportunities FOR YALARI GRADUATES Managing Director of Turner & Townsend (Australia & New Zealand), Anooj Oodit (left) and Yalari alumnus Kane Brunjes
Educating Indigenous Children
®
Working together since 2017 to educate and empower Indigenous youth
From a single quantity surveying partnership in the UK founded in 1946, Turner & Townsend have grown to become a world-leading professional services company, with 108 offices around the globe. They offer independent advice, safeguarding the commercial interests of clients embarking on investment programmes across real estate, infrastructure and natural resources. It is their passion for making a difference, delivering better outcomes and doing their part to build a prosperous society that led them to contact Yalari about corporate social responsibility partnership opportunities. It is these initial discussions with the Yalari Pathways and Fundraising teams that has led to national internship and work opportunities for several of Yalari’s alumni. One such opportunity was offered to Jaxon Petterson, a proud Indigenous young man from Darwin. Jaxon is a Yalari alumnus who graduated from St Ignatius’ College in 2016 and is currently studying a Bachelor of Construction and Project Management at the University of Technology Sydney. He is grateful to be undertaking a cadetship at the Turner & Townsend (Sydney office) while completing his degree. “To be able to study while working within my desired industry is of real benefit. It is giving me real world experience while allowing me the flexibility to attend university,” Jaxon explains. Chelsea Oliver, 2015 Yalari and The Glennie School graduate, is also 14 | Yalari News - “Summer Writing” 2018
Yalari alumnus Jaxon Petterson
thankful to be working at Turner & Townsend (Brisbane office). After deferring her Bachelor of Business at Griffith University, she is completing an internship in the administration support area. “It’s great that I can get real on-thejob experience while deciding on my future career options,” says Chelsea. “I feel supported to be able to achieve my best.” Apart from intern and cadetships, Turner & Townsend have also commissioned Yalari alumnus Kane Brunjes to create various pieces of artwork for their office in Brisbane, together with producing the graphic design for their Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) document. Kane is a Gunggari man from Murgon, a Yalari alumnus and a 2016 Toowoomba Grammar School graduate. He says that being given the opportunity to produce artwork for Turner & Townsend has been a highlight for him despite already being involved in some high profile art exhibitions, including the Brisbane Street Art Festival. “Providing options to Yalari students as they transition to tertiary study and employment is an important part of our student and graduate support structure,” explains Yalari Pathways Coordinator, Kim Spencer. “We look forward to working in partnership with our corporate supporters to further enable unique opportunities for Yalari students and alumni,” she says. “We have already seen these wonderful partnerships yield amazing outcomes.”
Yalari alumna Chelsea Ryan with Brad Richardson (Director of Turner & Townsend and Head of Project Management)
Yalari Pathways Opportunities
How you can help... Yalari graduates are encouraged and supported to participate in work experience, internships and volunteering. Opportunities include: • Work experience • Summer internship program • Cadetship • Employment • Accommodation/residence funding • Further education funding • Professional leadership and development funding. To discuss how your business, company or organisation may be able to help, please contact Steve Harris, Pathways Manager on (07) 5665 8688 or pathwaysmanager@yalari.org.
YAL ARI EVENTS
CE L E B R ATING STUD ENT
SUCCESSES AND ACHIEVEMENTS! 2018 was the first year Yalari has hosted fundraising dinners across five states of Australia. It was a pleasure to add Perth to the Yalari dinner calendar and to meet the wonderful Yalari supporters of Western Australia.
successes achieved by our students. We aim to keep you informed of the positive journeys of our Yalari students and alumni, and how your contribution is making a difference. It is also a pleasure to see the friendly faces of our wonderful supporters.
Our fundraising dinners offer us an important opportunity to gather together and celebrate the many milestones and
Thank you to everyone who contributed to our events this year, in any way. We look forward to seeing you all again in 2019!
Brisbane
Guests: 540 | Venue: BCEC | When: 19 Oct 18
$130,000 raised
Perth
Winner of Herbert Smith Freehills Student Achievement Awards: Lachlan Toovey - Leadership Award (Churchie Year 11 student), Thalia Saunders (Scots PGC Warwick Year 8 student)
Guests: 250 | Venue: University Club of Western Australia | When: 26 Oct 18
Adelaide
Guests: 250 | Venue: National Wine Centre of Australia | When: 9 Nov 18
$60,000 raised
$97,000 raised Winner of Yalari Student Achievement Award: Chenae Wreford - Resilience Award (Great Southern Grammar School Year 7 student)
Winner of Lipman Karas Student Achievement Awards: Calvin Hunter - Leadership Award (St Peter’s College Year 12 student), Delaney Dagg - Resilience Award (Scots College Adelaide Year 7 student)
We proudly recognise the contribution of our event partners. Thank you for your valued support.
Sandra Paterson Photography
Yalari News - “Summer Writing” 2018 | 15
for helping Indigenous children reach for the stars... It is only through the unparalleled generosity and support of people like
YALARI SCHOLARS
YALARI GRADUATES
184
33 24
YALARI ALUMNI
313
applied to universities
3
apprenticeships
1 2 3
GAP assistant at Yalari partner school further study at TAFE full-time employment
Educating and empowering Indigenous children to bring about generational change.
you that our students can continue to achieve positive outcomes for themselves and their families. We take this opportunity, during the festive season, to humbly thank everyone who has contributed to Yalari during 2018. Wishing you and your families love, peace and happiness, as we look forward to a successful, positive and rewarding 2019.
To make an end of year donation, please visit www.yalari.org
www.yalari.org SUM18YALANEWS
Educating Indigenous Children
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