Issue 36 | June 2017
E D U C AT I N G A N D E M P O W E R I N G I N D I G E N O U S C H I L D R E N
YALARI NEWSROOM
(L to R back) Waverley Stanley, Jalu Donovan, Ricky Crawshaw-Tomlins, Aubrey Faull, Ali Crawshaw-Tomlins, Ryan Brown, Ezekiel Billy, Noah Allen (front) Shuaib Rhodes-Swain, Kelvin Howard, Dylan Baker
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 © 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.
Welcome to our June 2017 newsletter. I am always so overwhelming grateful for the generosity of many wonderful Australians, everyday people who believe in what we are doing “together as committed people” in bringing about equality through education for Indigenous children and young adults. We held the first of our fundraising dinners in Sydney on June 8 and it was just amazing to see our wonderful Yalari children and alumni, not overawed by the occasion, but feeling the support of strangers and friends alike, wanting them to succeed and take advantage of their educational opportunities. Thanks so very much to everyone who attended, volunteered, gave their time, sourced prizes and sponsored the night. Thank you – your generosity is very much valued. I head out to Central Australia for the Year 9 girls camp for seven days these holidays and although I’m not looking
forward to the -3 degree temperature at night, I am excited to see the warm smiles, laughter and shared experiences of our girls and volunteers; they warm the heart and the spirit. This is our 19th Outback camp and I am grateful that Yalari allows me to visit Uluru and the Red Centre, which for me is the “spiritual heart of Australia”. We start our interviews for the 2018 scholarships in July. With over 70 interviews to be conducted, I’m looking forward to meeting the potential scholarship students and their families. To travel to so many communities, doing something that I love, I am truly grateful. And it’s with mixed feelings that I wish our ‘angel on earth’ Lou Wilson, all the very best with her new venture. I’m going to miss her so very much here at Yalari. Lou has worked and volunteered for us for ten years, sharing her warmth, generosity, kindness and soul so openly. Thank you Lou for being such an integral and important part of Yalari.
2018 scholars, get ready! As you may be aware, Yalari’s 2018 scholarship applications closed on 30 April. We were excited to again receive a large number of applications from all over Australia and are currently in the review process. We would like to thank all students and families who have applied and look forward to meeting our future Yalari scholars over the coming months.
Cover Image: Calrossy Anglican School students L to R: Keely-Che Cain (Year 12), Tori-Lee Cain (Year 10) and Zarleigh Jones (Year 12) 2 • Yalari Quarterly Newsletter - June 2017 • www.yalari.org
OAM? OMG!
THANK YOU FINDEX Thank you to the wonderful team at Findex who recently raised nearly $11,000 for Yalari through their employee matched giving campaign. The staff generously supported the fundraising initiative at their recent conference. We look forward to working in partnership with Findex to create opportunities for Indigenous young people to receive an education, dream big and achieve.
Congratulations to Yalari Board Member, Karen Spiller OAM who has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for her service to women and education. Karen is the Principal at St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School and has sat on the Yalari Board since 2015, sharing her skills and experience in the pursuit of educating and empowering Indigenous children. A well-deserved honour for a remarkable woman. Congratulations again Karen!
www.findex.com.au
WE’LL MISS YOU LOU WILSON Farewell and Good Luck!
UPCOMING EVENTS
30th
Upcoming Yalari events and student activities.
It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to our long-serving employee and friend, Lou Wilson.
JUNE
23
We first met Lou when she came to Yalari in 2007 as a volunteer on the Brisbane Dinner Committee.
Year 9 Girls Central Australia Camp
AUGUST
“My professional training was as a pharmacist so I wondered what I could possibly contribute to Yalari,” Lou explains.
17 25
It did not take long for Lou to be offered a full-time paid position as Yalari’s National Volunteer Coordinator which saw her managing Yalari’s large team of volunteers. “My journey with Yalari has been unique and I have learnt so much from the people I have worked with. I have learnt a great deal about myself as well. I have visited places I never imagined I would visit and have done things that I didn’t think I was capable of,” she said.
Yalari Melbourne Dinner 2017 - Leonda by the Yarra, Hawthorn Year 12 Graduation Ceremony and Snow Weekend
SEPTEMBER
22
In more recent times, Lou worked as our Fundraising Coordinator, maintaining relationships, developing new partnerships and overseeing the organisation of 25 successful fundraising dinners. “I have met so many amazing people: elders in remote areas of Australia, philanthropic sponsors and supporters, incredibly generous volunteers and I have followed the inspiring journeys of many Yalari students. What a privilege that has been.”
Yalari’s Biennial Cherbourg Walk
OCTOBER
26
“My life has indeed been enriched by my journey with Yalari and I now look forward to a new chapter in my life as I stay connected to Yalari but have the time to pursue some of my own dreams. Thank you sincerely to all of those people who have been on that journey with me,” Lou said.
Yalari Brisbane Dinner 2017 - Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre
NOVEMBER
10
From all of us at Yalari, we thank Lou for everything she has brought to Yalari and wish her all the best in her new endeavours. Farewell and good luck.... but not goodbye Lou!
Yalari Adelaide Dinner 2017 - National Wine Centre, Adelaide
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Yalari Quarterly Newsletter - June 2017 • www.yalari.org • 3
YALARI NEWSROOM
RECENT STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS BURGOYNE BOYS Isaac Burgoyne – Jacob Burgoyne
JOB WELL DONE!
ARE AT IT AGAIN! Reghan Bales
Year 11 - Toowoomba Grammar School
“
I am happy to report that both boys have had a tremendous term, in fact they have been shining lights in terms of their academic endeavours, social interactions and sporting endeavours.
They have both achieved House Half Colours, another indicator of overall involvement in the school and they are not far off from achieving the milestone of House Full Colours.
One of the most prominent things in becoming a young man is doing things for others. The boys have been involved in a program called MRP (Modified Rugby program) whereby the boys have been coaching and training children with disabilities on a Friday afternoon and Saturday mornings for the whole of Term 2. This has been a wonderful program that they have placed their heart and souls into and they along with everyone in the program should be justifiably proud of.
Isaac has placed two outstanding pieces of artwork in the foyer of the home for all visitors to see. These pieces are most impressive and are testimony to the talent in his art. In fact the academic endeavours of both boys are to be commended in their newly found maturity and passion to succeed. They have been brilliant to have in the home and I look forward to what the next semester holds for both young men and as they prepare for their Rugby, another passion of theirs.
The boys have also been tremendous ambassadors in the work with our Year 8 and 9 boys in the home, as role models and being available to assist in day to day duties and sporting and social outlets.
Regards Mr Chris McLeod Toowoomba Grammar School
“
Tyran Petrie
Kiara Davies Congratulations to Abottsleigh student Kiara Davies (Year 11) who has secured a senior leadership position for 2018, recently being named as one of four Boarder Prefects. Pictured speaking at the recent Yalari Sydney Dinner.
Zamahl Bin Busu
Zainel Bin Busu
Toowoomba Grammar School student Reghan Bales (Year 7) was awarded a Pro Summa Diligentia for Term 1. These awards are based on work ethic as recorded in the interim reports.
Year 8 student Tyran Petrie from Scots PGC Warwick has made the Warwick and Districts Representative Team for Rugby League. He has also gone from a C- to an A- in Science.
Renekka Narkle Well done to Great Southern Grammar School students Zamahl (Year 12), Zainel (Year 11) and Renekka (Year 10) who have all been selected to represent their school in “Country Week”, an intra-school sports competition. Zamahl and Zainel will compete in AFL and Renekka in Netball. Congratulations and good luck!
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Isaac Hooper Shore student Isaac Hooper (Year 8) was selected for Gordon Junior Rugby Club and competed in a tournament in Orange over the long weekend.
Image: The Albany Advertiser
Zainel Bin Busu
Isaac also recently gave a presentation at Shore’s annual Armitage Lecture. In front of an audience including the headmasters and headmistresses of many schools, as well as the Archbishop of Sydney, he delivered an Acknowledgement of Country and a short speech he had written on the topic of ‘hope’.
Zainel is a Year 11 student at Great Southern Grammar School Albany, Western Australia. He was recently promoted to playing in the local league. Local newspaper, The Albany Advertiser reported, “The Sharks have found a player in Zainel Bin Busu. The youngster had a different pace from anyone on the ground and proved a real danger.” Congratulations to Zainel, who was also named ‘player of the match’!
Alkira Miller Congratulations to Great Southern Grammar School student Alkira Miller (Year 11) who worked tirelessly for over one year in pursuing the idea of a Yalari student exchange. She persevered and gained the support of Yalari, Great Southern Grammar and Scotch Adelaide, to bring about a recent ‘student exchange week’ of Yalari students. Pictured here being congratulated by Principal, Mark Sawle on her ‘Yalari Captain’ appointment.
Sarah-Cait Kirkland & Darcie Sexton Congratulations to John Paul College student SarahCait Kirkland (Year 11) and St Hilda’s School student Darcie Sexton (Year 10) at their acceptance in the Kokoda Challenge Youth Program.
Amber Harrison Geelong Grammar School student Amber Harrison (Year 8) won the Open Women’s Division of the Woorrangalook Victorian Koori Surfing Titles held on the 18th - 19th of February at Urquhart Bluff on the Great Ocean Road.
Felicity Hodges
Scots PGC Warwick student Felicity Hodges (Year 7) has been awarded a Junior Leaders Badge.
The Challenge includes a period of physical training and mentoring in preparation for trekking in Papua New Guinea, where they can visit the Northern Beaches or walk the Kokoda Track which were both significant battle sites in the Japanese invasion in 1942. They will experience a physical, mental and cultural journey of a lifetime, followed by a period of community service and forming community support networks. The pair have already been training every weekend along with cardio on Wednesday evenings and have completed the Kokoda Challenge 30km in Brisbane. We wish Sarah-Cait and Darcie all the best on what is sure to be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
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YALARI NEWSROOM
L to R: Ezekiel Stanley, Nelson Foster, Jondayah Martin, Nathan Geno, Joh Loban, Sarah-Cait Kirkland, Rachyl Cameron and Lenka Rivers
Students and Alumni get
Lizzie & Kelsie Mahon
games fever!
As the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games draws near, so does the excitement for 30 of our students and alumni who have attended interviews for volunteer positions.
Yalari was asked to provide VIP volunteers whose roles will involve presenting the awards, being in televised elements of the event and supporting the athletes directly.
We have been informed that every Yalari applicant was excellent in their interview and places will be offered from July. It will be wonderful to see them on TV representing Yalari and Indigenous Australians so publicly. Congratulations to you all and good luck! To find out more about Commonwealth Games volunteering, visit www.gc2018.com/volunteer.
St Ignatius’ College Riverview
sorry day assembly
The Yalari Riverview boys and other Indigenous students danced and gave speeches during a Sorry Day assembly at their school. The presentations focused on the mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australian history and the subsequent pathways to unity. The guest speaker was an Indigenous man who graduated from Riverview in the 1990s and spoke about how included he felt at the school. A presentation on aspects of Aboriginal spirituality pointed out ways that all people might feel a spiritual connection to home and country.
St Ignatius’ College Riverview Indigenous students at their ‘Sorry Day’ Assembly.
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Noah Allan (Year 9) gave an Acknowledgement of Country in Gamilaroi, and Aubrey Faull (Year 12) in English. Dylan Baker and Kelvin Howard (Year 7) delivered speeches about their grandparents’ experiences as part of the Stolen Generation. Many of the boys danced to songs sung by Kaleb Taylor, the school’s cultural support officer.
Mrs Schubert and 2015 Yalari Graduate, Larissa Woosup
A lasting legacy... We thank and acknowledge the generosity and contribution of Mrs Winifred Schubert AO, who passed away in April at age 79.
Mrs Schubert was a long-time philanthropic supporter of the arts and cultural sectors of the Gold Coast and since 2010, had sponsored children on Yalari scholarships via the Josephine Ulrick & Win Schubert Diversity Foundation. Mrs Schubert was an inspirational lady who will be sadly missed. Her actions have created opportunities for Indigenous children that will live on for generations to come.
paying it forward Well done to the Scotch College Adelaide students: Grace Haslett, Angel Miller, Shahleena Martin, Tenika Roe, Cheyanne Baker and Imani Austin. In recognition of Reconciliation Week, the girls arranged an assembly as a celebration of the relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. They then hosted a sausage sizzle as part of their Yalari ‘Pay-itforward’ campaign, where Yalari students raise money to fund another student’s scholarship.
Educating Indigenous Children
Educating Indigenous Children
®
Melbourne Dinner 2017 Thursday 17 August 2017 Leonda By The Yarra 2 Wallen Road, Hawthorn
®
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...
Yalari Quarterly Newsletter - June 2017 • www.yalari.org • 7
EVENTS: YALARI SYDNEY FUNDRAISING DINNER
Yalari scholars from St Ignatius’ College Riverview, Scots College Sydney and Sydney Church of England Grammar School, Shore.
Empowering their future... Yalari’s Sydney Dinner 2017
Inset: MCs Taneale Lawton & Ian Brown
It was a pleasure to welcome over 440 guests to the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth on Thursday 8 June for Yalari’s 2017 fundraising dinner in Sydney.
Yalari scholars play an active and special part in the program. The Acknowledgement to Country was conducted by four Yalari students, all speaking their Indigenous language.
The volunteer Sydney Dinner Committee did a remarkable job, creating an emotive atmosphere of inspiration, togetherness and hope. The attendees were a mix of new and old friends, all keen to learn more about the Yalari journey, our students and their successes. The event also offered us a chance to catch-up with Yalari’s supporters, to keep everyone informed on what’s been happening over the past year and to celebrate student achievements in the company of friends. Of course, we are always hopeful to raise enough money for another scholarship or two!
Year 11 St Ignatius’ College Riverview student, Ali CrawshawTomlins (as the Yalari student speaker) talked passionately about the challenges in his life and what his Yalari journey has meant to him.
It was an honour to welcome His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Ret’d) Governor of NSW and his wife, Mrs Hurley. We were humbled the couple were joining us for a second year. Also present was David Harris MP, Shadow Minister for Aboriginal Affairs. Yalari dinners are always about the children; and this one was no different! It offers a platform for the scholars to introduce themselves to their supporters, enabling them to talk about their journeys and provide a first-hand account of their experiences.
“I will forever be grateful for the life-changing opportunity Yalari gave me. And I’ll forever be grateful to the people who believed in Yalari and made it happen – people like you here tonight,” he said. Yalari students from Abbotsleigh, Kambala, Kinross Wolaroi School Orange, The Scots College Sydney and St Ignatius’ College Riverview all took part in varying ways and proved to be a real credit to themselves, their families and their schools. Thank you to everyone who attended this year’s Sydney dinner and we especially thank you for your belief in empowering a child’s future through education. We look forward to seeing you again next year, if not sooner!
Thank you Thank you to the volunteers, speakers and entertainers, the Sydney Dinner Committee, and those who generously donated prizes for our auctions and raffles. We thank our Event Partners: Epic Private Journeys, Hentley Farm Wines, Greyhound Australia, Veritas Events, Lion Nathan and Riboni Constructions. Thanks also to those who purchased corporate tables: Herbert Smith Freehills, Ascender, Bennelong Funds Management, Roden Family Foundation and Lendlease. 8 • Yalari Quarterly Newsletter - June 2017 • www.yalari.org
Yalari scholars from Abbotsleigh
L to R: Aidan Bestwick (Yr 12 The Scots College), Mary Boydell (Yalari Chairman), Governor Hurley and Mrs Hurley Ali Crawshaw-Tomlins
The team from Herbert Smith Freehills
Yalari scholars from Kambala
YALARI SYDNEY DINNER STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
The Yalari dinners offer the perfect opportunity to share in the successes of our students. Presented by Waverley Stanley, the Herbert Smith Freehills Achievement Junior Resilience Award was presented to Chelsea Edwards from Kinross Wolaroi School (pictured right) for demonstrating the qualities of strength, courage and an enduring spirit. Shanelle Smith from Kambala (pictured above) was presented with the Leadership Award for demonstrating the qualities of commitment, strength of character, integrity and inspiration. Congratulations Chelsea and Shanelle!
L to R: Yalari graduate Sheldyn Briggs (2016), Abbotsleigh student Jayda Craigie (Year 8) and friend, Laura Peterson
Yalari Quarterly Newsletter - June 2017 • www.yalari.org • 9
YALARI VOLUNTEERS
YALARI NATIONAL VOLUNTEER AWARDS 2017 Each year, Yalari celebrates National Volunteer Week, an annual celebration to acknowledge the generous contribution of our nation’s volunteers. Volunteering is a great way for people, regardless of their age, cultural background, or circumstances to get involved and make a difference. It offers a chance to meet new people, form new skills or impart existing skills, all while ‘giving back’ to the community. At Yalari, we are truly privileged to have a dedicated and passionate army of volunteers, from all walks of life,
who freely volunteer their time and resources to strengthen opportunities for Indigenous children in Australia. The volunteering roles at Yalari are vast; from serving on a fundraising dinner committee, to helping with children’s camps; from tutoring and coaching to utilising professional skills in an administrative capacity, all our volunteers share one thing in common - a passion for making a difference in the lives of Indigenous children and empowering them through education. As such, choosing the winners for Yalari’s National Volunteer Awards
from such a marvellous pool of people is very challenging! We know that our volunteers ‘do what they do’ not for the recognition but for the Yalari children. Therefore, we would like to say a huge thank you and congratulations to all our volunteers. We value and acknowledge each and every one of you. The 2017 winners were decided via a nomination process and our heartiest congratulations go to Victoria, Ryan, Lisa and Natalie. You are all remarkable examples of humility, dedication and contribution. Congratulations and thank you for everything you do.
2017 WINNERS New South Wales
Queensland
VICTORIA NICHOL
RYAN CANTRILL
Dinner Committee Victoria has been working on Yalari dinners since 2011 and has been part of the Sydney Dinner Committee since 2012. She spends a lot of time writing to companies and businesses to source items for the auctions and has also personally donated items. She has introduced Yalari to her family and friends, promoted Yalari through social media and was successful in receiving a News Corp Australia Staff Donation Fund grant of $2000 for Yalari in 2016. Victoria is a highly valued and committed member of the team; a hard worker who always goes above and beyond.
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Student Tutor Ryan has been tutoring at St Margaret’s Anglican Girls’ School in Brisbane for over 4 years. He has not only had a positive impact on the girls’ academic results but has extended them well beyond what they thought they were capable of achieving. Ryan has developed great rapport with the students and his commitment and support of Yalari is unquestionable. “Volunteering with Yalari is my way of showing I care about the education of the next generation of strong and capable young people. Hopefully in some small way I can contribute to their journey and help them succeed in whichever direction they choose to go,” Ryan said.
In 2016:
Active Volunteers
7,744
HOURS
$
270,188
Worth of Time
A collection of Yalari’s volunteers at the recent Yalari Sydney Dinner including those from corporate partner, Herbert Smith Freehills
“
“
302
Volunteering is at the very core of being human. No one has made it through life without someone else’s help. - Heather French Henry
Have you ever thought about volunteering?
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.
Victoria
South Australia
LISA STEVEN
NATALIE FELKL
Networking & Dinner Committee
Student Support & Dinner Committee
Lisa has been a member of the Melbourne Dinner Committee since 2014 and Chair since 2016. She has a very professional approach and leads the committee in a way which aligns with the Yalari values.
Natalie (Nat) has been on the Adelaide Dinner Committee since 2012 and Chair of the committee for the last few years. She is incredibly supportive of Yalari and is an amazing advocate.
She has assisted with the ‘Strategic Briefing’ and ‘Thank You’ events and now attends special taskforce meetings.
She actively supports the Yalari students at Scotch College Adelaide and has opened her home to the WA Yalari students when they are in town for the Adelaide Dinner.
Lisa has gone over and beyond her role by compiling, designing and printing the information required for the silent and live auctions at the Melbourne Dinner. She is an excellent networker and ambassador for Yalari, always connecting and following up by sending thank you letters to our donors.
Nat has been instrumental in developing new relationships throughout the community and helped secure the wine sponsorship of Hentley Farm Wines for all our dinners.
Yalari Quarterly Newsletter - June 2017 • www.yalari.org • 11
YALARI PARTNERSHIPS
DOIN’ IT FOR THE KIDS... DAN’S 250KM MOROCCAN MARATHON Running 250km over hot, sandy desert under the blistering Moroccan sun does not sound like much fun, even if you are in peak physical condition! But that’s what long term Yalari supporter, Daniel Pittorino put his mind (and body) to. Dan recently competed in the 33rd Marathon Des Sables (Marathon of the Sands), a foot race open to runners and walkers over a distance of 250km. Each participant must carry their own backpack containing food, sleeping gear and other material. It was completed in six stages, over ten days in the Sahara Desert, Morocco. Undoubtedly, a challenge like this takes lots of determination and will power. You just need to look (or wince) at
the image of Dan’s feet to know it was a gruelling ordeal. But being the type of guy that Dan is, he always remembered to hold up his ‘Yalari’ sign at the completion of each stage. A wonderful gesture of Dan’s ongoing commitment to Yalari and to Indigenous education in Australia. Dan first became involved with Yalari when a colleague introduced him to the organisation four years ago and has been a true ambassador every since. During this time he has raised over $99,738, often as proceeds from dinners he hosts where he talks about Indigenous education to others and introduces them to Yalari. In addition, his employer Macquarie Group have
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Yalari supporter Dan Pittorino, completing stage one of the Marathon Des Sables
contributed via their staff donation matching program. What is particularly special is that Dan now lives and works in London yet still motivates others to think about Australia’s Indigenous children. “...if you were on the look-out for a cause, educating young Indigenous kids is, in my view, a very worthy one,” Dan says. From all of us at Yalari, Congratulations to Dan for making it through the Marathon Des Sables. We humbly thank him and his band of supporters for their ongoing contribution to the education and empowerment of Indigenous children in Australia.
DAN’S COMMITMENT TO EDUCATING AUSTRALIAN INDIGENOUS CHILDREN... FROM THE OTHER SIDE OF THE WORLD!
Four years ago, Daniel Pittorino began an initiative to raise money to provide the funding for two Indigenous children to attend boarding school.
Dan now lives and works in London and hosts an annual dinner to fundraise for Yalari and raise awareness of Yalari initiatives.
Dan’s annual 2017 Yalari Dinner in London
This year, Dan encouraged his friends, colleagues and acquaintances to sponsor him in his Marathon Des Sables pursuit, with all money raised going to Yalari.
As an employee of Macquarie Group Limited, Dan’s company matches the amount of donations through the Macquarie Group Foundation.
It’s all for a good cause!
“
I had been thinking all week of the final photo with my Yalari sign in the desert at the finishing line. But alas… given I had never run in the desert, nor with the backpack, I was a little unprepared for what can happen to a paper sign over the course of the week.
It hadn’t crossed my mind to laminate it. So when it came to the final stage I packed my sign, accessible and handy, all ready to be captured by the webcam. However being in my front pack, close to my body, I hadn’t calculated what happens to a paper sign when running a desert marathon in 48 degree heat. When I reached into my front pouch, there was nothing but an off-white cube of pulp. A very salty piece of pulp that had been sweated through many times, had water poured over it as I tried to cool my body temperature. Thankfully I had snapped some other pictures during the week!
“
- Daniel Pittorino
Staff donations are matched dollar for dollar and Macquarie staff are encouraged to get involved with local community groups by volunteering their time and skills.
Dan’s goal is to raise enough money for the two students (who are now in Year 11) to complete their education.
OUT? P L E H O T WANT Are you interested in joining forces with your friends... and positively changing the future of an Indigenous child? You can find out more about our ‘Power of Ten’ and ‘Power of Twenty’ initiatives by visiting www.yalari.org If you have any questions about beneficiary fundraising, please contact Jenni Heenan on (07) 5665 8588 or email fundraisingmanager@yalari.org
Ali Crawshaw-Tomlins is a Warlpiri, Arrernte and Jowyn man from his father’s side, and a Gurindji man from his mother’s side. His hometown is Darwin where he was born and raised. Upon graduation, he is considering completing a Bachelor of Science (Chiropractor) at university.
Ryan Brown is proud of his culture and is continually involved in sharing his culture with the wider school community, particularly through the Indigenous Dance Group performances. He is a proud Wiradjuri man, hailing from Lightning Ridge.
Yalari Quarterly Newsletter - June 2017 • www.yalari.org • 13
YALARI ALUMNI
the ultimate
Langports
Yalari Journey...
Yalari graduate Jazleen De Busch comes back to where it all started Hailing from Eastern Cape York in Far North Queensland, Yalari alumna Jazleen David De Busch (or ‘Jaz’ as she is fondly known) is a proud Southern Kaanju woman from the Kumopintha people. In 2011, Jaz was awarded a Yalari Scholarship to attend St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School in Brisbane. “I loved being a ‘Maggies’ girl and a Yalari student. I was exposed to many life changing experiences that have shaped me into a well rounded individual,” Jaz explained. As a Yalari student, she was involved in various activities that enabled her to engage and connect with other Yalari students and with other Indigenous people from all over the country. “I loved camps, dinners and events organised by Yalari and did everything I could to be involved and gave everything 100% of my attention and respect,” she said. Jaz graduated in 2015 as Boarder Captain, Prefect and Drama Captain; and with a real desire to ‘give back’ to Yalari and the community.
Since graduation, Jaz has been studying a Bachelor of Arts at The University of Melbourne and residing at Trinity College. She is part of the Murrup Barak Indigenous Center at The University of Melbourne Student Representative Council, has represented Trinity College during NAIDOC week and has continued to contribute to Yalari and the students. In December last year, Jaz was approached by Yalari to apply for a position as a Student Support Officer (SSO) in Melbourne; a role which involves providing support to Yalari students, their families and schools on a daily basis. “At first I guess I was nervous, however the idea of helping shape and support young women that grew up in similar life circumstances as myself – what an opportunity!” Jaz revealed. The experience of boarding school, living away from home and understanding the feeling of being out of your comfort zone has certainly helped Jaz excel in her new role.
“I know that I can relate to my students in the most authentic way but also engage with them on a cultural level,” she said. Jaz sees her connection to Indigenous culture as something that is very personal and understands that a child’s relationship with their culture, traditions and customs cannot be categorized or generalized. “We are all unique, special and valuable and have our own journey.” Working with young women who are inspired, driven and motivated is what motivates Jaz to work towards closing the education gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous children. “My passion is helping people be the best version of themselves and to keep flying upwards,” she said. In the long-term, Jaz hopes to continue her studies, focusing on Environmental Law. She hopes to one day live and work back on country, building and creating sustainable living for Indigenous communities.
Jaz volunteering at Year 10 Camp 2016
Yalari Graduation 2015: Llew Mullins, Jaz David De Busch, Waverley Stanley 14 • Yalari Quarterly Newsletter - June 2017 • www.yalari.org
Main image: Orientation Camp 2017 in her role as SSO
Melbourne Dinner 2016: Jaz (left) and her sister Jad, as Masters of Ceremonies.
YALARI STUDENT SUPPORT PROGRAM
year 12 pathways workshops
Sydney Workshop: Abbotsleigh students Lena-Jade Cochrane and Tyesha Armstrong
DEVELOPING SKILLS FOR THE FUTURE...
In mid April, Yalari partners Herbert Smith Freehills hosted two workshops for Yalari’s Year 12 students. The first workshop was held in Melbourne with 6 students attending and the second in Brisbane with 14 students. The workshops are designed to help students identify, assess and develop their post-school plans, encouraging them to consider options outside of their ideal scenario. They are able to experience a corporate working environment and simulated interview and are coached in resume writing and how to prepare for employment. “The workshops provide an opportunity for students to think, discuss and map what their next steps might be,” explains Helen Kimber, Yalari’s Pathways Coordinator. “Students also need to know how and when to apply for uni, how to search for courses and how to find scholarship opportunities that may be available to them,” she said. Also discussed were other options including apprenticeships/traineeships, internships, financial considerations and job searching. Yalari alumni Taneale Lawton (Class of 2014) and Tyson Holloway-Clarke (Class of 2012) joined the workshop program, offering their own advice and personal experiences. “The students really gained insight from the personal journeys that were shared with them from the alumni,” Helen explained. Following the workshops, students reported they felt more comfortable and confident about their plans moving forward. For this year group, it will be the last time they will be together as Yalari scholars before their graduation in August. “Everything really helped me. I now have fresh ideas on what I would like to do after school. The guest speakers, resume writing and interviews were particularly useful,” one student said. Thank you to the Herbert Smith Freehills staff who so willingly volunteered for mock interviews, to present sessions and to attend on Saturday in Brisbane. Thank you Heather Douglas and Susannah Carr for your fabulous facilities and your organisational expertise. To all of the staff who gave their time to our students, thank you. Thank you to Stacey Blanche from Davidson Recruitment for her time and fitting in her work plans with our workshops in both Melbourne and Brisbane. Yalari Quarterly Newsletter - June 2017 • www.yalari.org • 15
Big Dreams Start Here!
At Yalari, we believe it takes a whole community to educate a child. We ask for your continued help to ensure every Indigenous child has the right to a brighter future through the power of education - to dream big and achieve! Together, we are making this a reality. Your tax deductible donation before June 30 will continue to give… for generations to come. Visit www.yalari.org/bigdreams 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. 1706YALNEWS
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