Yalari News | Winter 2019

Educating Indigenous Children

YALARI NEWS

®

Issue 43 | Winter 2019

MAURRI THANGANI

“ W in te r Voic e”

YAL ARI NEWSROOM

Waverley Stanley AM (right) with Yalari alumni Calvin Hunter (Class of 2018) and Haryne Uta (Class of 2010) (middle)

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: Compassion, Openness, Respect, Resilience, Inclusiveness and Excellence.

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.

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.

2 | Yalari News - “Winter Voice” 2019

Waverley Stanley AM

2019 just keeps rolling on here at Yalari with the many activities, camps, functions and dinners.

In April, for the first time, we conducted a seven-day “Warrior Spirit” Leadership Camp for 16 of our alumni and graduates at Holsworthy Barracks, Sydney. In partnership with the Australian Army 5th Brigade, the camp included attending the Dawn Service in Canberra and a visit to the Australian War Memorial. We were accompanied by two Indigenous military historians who shared their knowledge of the Indigenous soldiers who also contributed to the freedom of our country. Thanks very much to Brigadier Michael Bond, a dear friend and long-time supporter of Yalari for making the camp possible. Thanks also to the Indigenous soldiers and all of the non-Indigenous officers who participated and made it a huge success. We look forward to this being a regular event on the Yalari calendar for our Indigenous young adults.

We have just returned from our “Outback Camps” — Alice Springs to Uluru. A week for the Year 9 girls, then a week for the boys. Members of our alumni often mention this camp as the one that really bonds them as a group who then go on to support each other as young adults. Thanks very much to all of our Yalari staff for making this a safe and memorable time for everyone.

Now we start the process of interviewing children for the 2020 scholarships. A number of staff will criss-cross this big old country with me, travelling to the many towns and communities of potential scholars. We will sit down in their lounge rooms or at their kitchen tables and help alleviate some of the unknowns for nervous children and families.

It is a really exciting time for all of us — to be able to start this journey and eventually welcome new members to the Yalari Family.

On a personal note, Llew and I celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary this year on June 20. To my ‘Number One Squeeze’ — thanks so very much for believing in me all those years ago, when we looked at the idea of helping Indigenous children to be the best they can be.

Yalari is you and me — it’s our purpose. But Yalari is also our students, their families, our volunteers, our schools, our staff, our sponsors and all those who help us, day-in-day-out.

‘It takes a whole community to educate a child’. The Yalari community.

Maurri Thangani “Winter Voice” From the Bunuba language of Fitzroy Crossing (Yalari alumna Della Bedford’s country) maurri = cold weather - thangani = voice/ tongue / language Cover Image: Members of the Yalari alumni - Canberra (Front L to R) Nelson Foster (2016), Della Bedford (2014) (Back L to R) Ashley Hudson (2014), Michael Noah (2013) and Taneale Lawton (2014)

UPCOMING EVENTS Mark these important dates in your diary!

Two of our Year 9 students, Rishad CookSabatino (left) and Ramiyah Tamu from Sydney Church of England Grammar School (Shore) were delighted to meet NBA Cleveland Cavaliers and Australian Boomers Basketball player, Matthew Dellavedova.

‘Delly’ was nice enough to have a chat with the boys and is loving what we do at Yalari for our students!

Congratulations to our Yalari yompers: Waverley Stanley and Liv, Nate and Lewis Carger who recently tackled the non-stop, 96km Kokoda Challenge through the Gold Coast Hinterland. Well done Team Yalari!

Volunteer Farewells

Fantastic Fun-Day!

A massive thank you to Yalari supporters Denise, Anthony and Briony Benjamin for hosting a student fun-day for our Queensland scholars in June.

We were truly spoilt with a selection of activities including swimming, volleyball, basketball, tennis and badminton. Not to mention cuddling the two Italian Greyhounds and patting the horse! Yarning around the fire and the yummy food topped it off! Thanks so much guys, from all of us!

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Yalari Melbourne Celebration - Leonda

By The Yarra

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Yalari Year 12 Graduation Weekend

SEPTEMBER

A fond farewell to four of our valued volunteer dinner committee members from Victoria and New South Wales.

Stephen Bolton and Frances Loughrey (Vic), and Victoria Nicholl and Jeannie Auty (NSW) are stepping down after a combined 30 years of service to Yalari.

Thank you for your hard work, dedication and commitment to helping Indigenous children reach their full potential through education.

John Paul College students Andrew Casey, Year 8 (left) and Stephen Bush Blanasi (Year 7)

AUGUST

We were also deeply saddened by the passing of previous Melbourne committee member, Astrida Cooper following a long illness. Astrida was a beautiful and gracious lady who served on the committee for many years and had always been a huge supporter of Yalari. She will be missed dearly.

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Yalari Perth Celebration - The University Club of WA 100km Commemorative Walk to Cherbourg

OCTOBER

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Yalari Brisbane Celebration - BCEC

A proud moment!

Waverley recently caught up with his favourite teacher, Mrs Rosemary Bishop, to show her his official Medal of the Order of Australia. What a wonderful moment for both of them!

SHARE THE LOVE! JOIN US ON SOCIAL MEDIA!

#yalari #generationalchange #indigenous #educatingindigenouschildren Did you know that Yalari is on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter? Follow us and keep up-to-date on what’s happening around the Yalari community.

@yalarimob

@yalarilimited

@yalari

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 - “Winter Voice” 2019 | 3

YAL ARI NEWSROOM

STU D ENT UPDAT ES

AND ACHIEVEMENTS!

Yalari scholars continue to work hard, dream big... and achieve!

Following his great leadership in Riverview dance group, Year 12 Riverview student, Ezekiel Billy has toured NSW with a dance group for NAIDOC week, performing at schools throughout the state.

Year 9 Toowoomba Grammar School student, Jermaine Harrison received a Pro Diligentia Award for Term 1.

St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School student, Shemyliah Ahmat has been selected as Year 8 Boarding Captain.

Monique Laurie, Year 12 Kambala student, was awarded the Student Achievement Leadership Award at the recent Yalari Sydney Dinner. Recipients of this award have exhibited the qualities of leadership, commitment, strength of character, integrity and inspiration.

4 | Yalari News - “Winter Voice” 2019

Year 9 Kinross Wolaroi school student, Anna Robinson was elected as one of the 2019 KWS Junior Aboriginal Education Consultative Group Representatives.

The Jr AECG is made up of representatives from all the high schools in Orange and meet regularly to discuss cultural issues within each school and share what is being done.

Over the past two years they have also organised a formal youth ball held during Orange NAIDOC Week celebrations.

Renekka Narkle, Year 12 student at Great Southern Grammar School passed her driving test and is now the proud owner of a 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer!

Her smile reveals how pleased she is with her achievement.

Mareeya Pigram, Year 11 student at Methodist Ladies’ College, Perth who received an Academic Incentive Award for always striving to do her best.

Congratulations Mareeya.

Chelsea Edwards, Year 11 Kinross Wolaroi student was selected to go on an excursion to Arnhem Land and Kakadu National Park. Only eight students were selected to attend the trip taking place during July school holidays. The students will have the opportunity to visit Indigenous communities in the area and participate in local cultural activities.

Scotch College Adelaide students Cheree Whymann (Year 10) and Shahleena Martin (Year 12) did a great job delivering the Acknowledgment of Country to kick off the Indigenous round of AFL.

Wally Boydell PATRON The Mary Boydell Endowment Fund

Anna Dingley, Year 10 student at The Glennie School has been elected to the Student Representative Council for her year group.

Mariah Lennard, Year 10 Great Southern Grammar School student (right), has completed her work experience while being guided by Yalari alumna Shanice Flemming, who is an Aboriginal Education Officer at Cable Beach Primary School. It’s great to see our students and alumni working together. Well done girls!

“I have recently been very privileged to join the Grade 9 students on their Central Australia Outback Camp. This is such a very important and vital part of their development and one that better bonds them with their fellow students and at the same time gives them a greater insight into other Indigenous cultures and the importance of a good and rounded education.

We never stop learning and I can say it was as much an education for me as it was for them. Outstanding young men and women who have been set on a path to bring about change to their lives and the future of Australia.

This was a truly outstanding journey making a big contribution to their development and one in which I wish all Yalari supporters could participate.

This is only one of many initiatives in which they will participate during their time with Yalari, but one that will assist them to make a difference.”

The Mary Boydell

ENDOWMENT FUND Giving today for a stronger tomorrow...

Like all gifts that benefit Yalari, endowed gifts contribute to the ongoing high quality of educational opportunities and support for Indigenous children.

Endowments are particularly powerful because they deliver a dependable, perpetual source of funding.

Your gift to Yalari’s Mary Boydell Endowment Fund (MBEF) is an investment in the future of Yalari—one that fulfills our shared vision of educating and empowering Indigenous children now and for many years to come.

Scots PGC Warwick students Jekeira Major, Bryoni Marshall and Summer Jacks have been selected for the Darling Downs regional basketball team for the Queensland State Titles being held in Cairns.

Noah Allen, Year 11 St Ignatius’ College Riverview student, was awarded the Resilience Award at the recent Yalari Sydney Dinner.

Recipients of this award have exhibited the qualities of strength, courage and an enduring spirit.

Benefits of contributing: • A unique opportunity to create your legacy

• Donor acknowledgement

• Tax-effective

• Invitations to special events

• Naming opportunities

Create your personal legacy...

VISIT www.yalari.org/endowment

CALL (07) 5665 8688

EMAIL endowment@yalari.org

For a confidential discussion about how you can transform the lives of Indigenous children now and in the future, please contact Lou Wilson - Endowment Fund Executive.

Yalari News - “Winter Voice” 2019 | 5

YAL ARI ALUMNI

Educating Indigenous Children

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®

perating in partnership with 5th Brigade Holsworthy Barracks, Warrior Spirit – Growing Young Leaders is a seven-day, military-style personal development course conducted at Holsworthy Barracks Sydney.

The holistic leadership and resilience program is designed for Yalari alumni and graduates, preparing them to lead and win in adult life. It is designed to stretch and ‘stress-test’ resilience and provide opportunities for self-reflection and personal growth.

The program was absolutely incredible — Holsworthy completely changed me!

Fresh eyes and fresh mind.

It’s pushed me mentally, physically and morally. It was extremely confronting at times but it taught me how to adapt and deal with adversity in all circumstances.

The Warrior Spirit course was held over the Easter period and saw 16 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people from around Australia attend the inaugural event. The program was run by Indigenous soldiers from across the 5th Brigade.

I’m incredibly proud and motivated by everyone who was involved; from both Yalari and the Army. I’m beyond thankful for having the chance to attend and really experience my own capability. The ‘Warrior Spirit’ experience has cemented my choice to pursue a career in the ADF, for what could be a life-long journey.

The week involved an innovative training and mentoring program, giving participants the knowledge and experience in Defence training and values. Cultural, physical, spiritual and mental wellbeing were also at the core of day-to-day activities.

The week included a special visit to Canberra to attend a special ANZAC Day dawn service, remembering the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who served in the Australian Forces.

A big thank you to the Australian Army 5th Brigade for sharing their expertise, experience and facilities with us. You are helping ‘grow’ the next generation of Indigenous leaders through this powerful initiative.

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A huge thank you again to Yalari for helping me with the opportunities and checking-in on me. It’s kept me motivated and looking for bigger things.

Thanks to Yalari, I’ve developed a lot more as a person.

Insp irin g

T H E N E X T G E N E R AT I O N D enzel T ig he | C las s o f 201 3

“

I attended St. Philomena’s primary school and I was so small my school back pack was bigger than me! I was also a pretty quiet kid. We heard about an Indigenous scholarship called Yalari which provided an opportunity to receive a fully-funded boarding school scholarship, so I applied. I remember Waverley, Llew and Matt coming down from Brisbane to Moree and visiting our house, asking me a few questions about attending boarding school. Later that day we went out to the river for a swim. A few months went by and I was accepted on the Yalari scholarship and I had the opportunity to attend St Ignatius’ College, Riverview.

There was a lot of support from teachers, the boarding house and the Indigenous community at Riverview, which keep me on the right path. Two other Yalari students in my year, Lincoln Whiteley and my first cousin Alex Barker Jnr, shared similar experiences and made it easier knowing you’re not the only one going through tough times. In 2013, we all graduated Year 12 at Riverview, and it was a special moment for our families, friends and community.

“

I grew up in Moree, a small town in northern New South Wales about 600 kilometers from Sydney. It was great — it’s a small town so everyone knew who you were and what you did. My mum worked at the local school as a teacher and Dad, as a drug and alcohol support officer. I’m the only child in my family but we always had little cousins, aunties and long distance relatives at our house, so family was everywhere you looked.

I feel like I have a responsibility to the younger kids out there; the ones who aren’t on scholarships and at universities yet. I want to help break down the

negative stereotypes of Indigenous people as a whole, to help make Australia better.

When I went to Sydney in 2008 I was very nervous and upon arriving at Riverview, I thought it was Hogwarts! On the first day of school, I actually got lost going to class and I was confused on why we had to move to a different classroom for another subject, so I was just roaming around the school with a water bottle pretending it was a football until the next class.

I always looked up to my grandfathers for inspiration as I know about the hardship and barriers they both faced. My grandfather Vincent “Popeye” Tighe left school at 13 and went to work in the shearing sheds to support his large family. In 2009, “Popeye” had a stroke and passed away. It had a big impact on me and it was so hard going back to school as I just wanted to stay home.

My other grandfather, Alex Barker Snr is a painter. He was diagnosed with cancer a few years ago but is still going strong.

They both showed me the importance of dedication and strong work ethics.

In 2014 I commenced a Bachelor of Arts: Major of Indigenous Studies at the University of Sydney and, in June this year, I finally graduated! It was a special day for me as my parents drove eight hours from Moree and I wore a special tie - which my Aunty designed for me. The biggest influences in my life are my parents. They both work hard in the community in the health and education sector.

So I am lucky to have people who have laid foundations down for me to follow and now I am making my own tracks and hope to be a role model for my younger cousins and community.

My journey so far has opened many opportunities and I have made life-long friends already and hope to give back to my community in the near future. I feel like I have a responsibility to the younger kids out there; the ones who aren’t on scholarships and at universities yet. I want to help break down the negative stereotypes of Indigenous people as a whole, to help make Australia better and if I can inspire young Indigenous students to follow their dreams as Waverley once did for me I think we have all done our job here.

I would like to thank my family and friends for supporting me, Riverview staff and friends and of course, Yalari for giving me an opportunity and ongoing support, which has no doubt changed my life and will change my future.

Yalari News - “Winter Voice” 2019 | 7

R E C O N C I L I AT I O N W E E K

#NRW2019 Campaign National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

The dates for NRW remain the same each year; 27 May to 3 June. These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey— the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision respectively.

Reconciliation must live in the hearts, minds and actions of all Australians as we move forward, creating a nation strengthened by respectful relationships between the wider Australian community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Abbotsleigh Led by Yalari Year 11 scholars Georgia Dennison and Holly Austin, Indigenous students at Abbotsleigh coordinated a superb assembly, speaking powerfully about the significance of NAIDOC Week and creating a video to share their thoughts and feelings about opportunities and challenges faced by them as Indigenous students away from home.

The practice of peace and reconciliation is one of the most vital and artistic of human actions. - Nhat Hanh 8 | Yalari News - “Winter Voice” 2019

Geelong Grammar School Back row left to right: Yarron See (Yr7), Miranda Shields (Yr7), Jaycee Sellings (Yr11), Clay Schafer (Yr8) Front row left to right: Marcus Pigram (Yr7), Scarlett Mercer (Yr8), Olivia & Molly Christensen (GGS scholarship recipients)

A very special day...

“I had the pleasure of attending the Reconciliation Ceremony at Geelong Grammar School (GGS) Toorak Campus with some of our students and Sandra Brogden, the GGS Indigenous Co-ordinator. The Toorak Campus is a primary school for children from pre-school to Grade 6. It was raining so unfortunately the smoking ceremony didn’t go ahead. It began with a ceremonial dance performed by the primary school students. They were lead by Murrundindi, the Elder of the Wurundjeri people and Spiritual Custodian for the Melbourne region. Murrundindi teaches cultural ways at Healesville Sanctuary every Sunday. His mission is to teach legions of Aussie kids about culture.

We were then treated to a performance by the Billy Tea Bush Band with Murrundindi on the didgeridoo - amazing!

Following this, the Corio students were introduced onto the stage. Scarlett Mercer and Jaycee Sellings delivered passionate and inspiring speeches. Staff at the school were very impressed, with suggestions that Scarlett would make a wonderful PM - watch this space!

At the conclusion of the ceremony we were treated to a special morning tea of pies, kangaroo sausage rolls (made by students), cakes and slices. It was delicious and the staff very kindly allowed the Corio students to take the leftovers. There is a possum skin coat made especially for this year’s ceremony by local women with the help of some students. It was made for the purpose of being worn by young people. It was suggested that the coat could be worn by the Toorak Campus School Captain at every school assembly - great idea!”

- Kylie Hoey (Yalari Student Support Officer)

Yarron See

NAIDOC WEEK

GHD Group Thank you to the wonderful team at GHD Group for inviting Yalari to participate in their National Reconciliation Week activities. Yalari alumna Shauni Stanley and Fundraising Manager Jenni Heenan were humbled to receive the proceeds of GHD Group’s fundraising initiative!

John Paul College

Thank you so much guys!

Berrimah

Year 7 John Paul College students, Peter Sambono, Stephen Bush Blanasi and Ginaya Fernando planted their own tree in honour of Reconciliation Week. Great work guys! #Nationalreconciliationweek

#NAIDOC Week NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia each July to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. NAIDOC is celebrated not only in Indigenous communities, but by Australians from all walks of life.

At Yalari, we kicked off our NAIDOC lunch with an Acknowledgement of Country followed by discussions about the importance of NAIDOC Week. Yalari staff and friends were treated to traditional Torres Strait Islander cuisine, a range of traditional Australiana treats including ‘roo stew’

Yalari HQ

What a great snap of Kayla Baker-Peris (Yalari alumna and 2018 Kambala graduate) who is working for Top End Aboriginal Bush Broadcasting Association. Kayla was broadcasting from a National NAIDOC Week event in Berrimah, NT.

and ‘snags’, followed by pavlova, scones and jams! Thank you to those who shared this special lunch with us.

#letsworktogether

Yalari News - “Winter Voice” 2019 | 9

YAL ARI STUDENT SUPPORT PROGRAM

From yarning around the campfire at night to experiencing the magnetism of Uluru, the ninth year of our Central Australian adventures did not disappoint! Despite the sometimes minus degree sleeping temperatures, Yalari’s Year 9 (and some Year 10) students returned from the Yalari Outback camps feeling connected, rewarded, inspired and humbled.

Held during the July school holidays, two groups (girls then boys) made the journey, each experiencing a six-night camping adventure from Alice Springs to Uluru. The camp offered students the opportunity to reconnect with culture and land, forge new friendships, strengthen support networks and reflect on the unique opportunities they are receiving.

We extend a huge thank you to our wonderful friends Greyhound Australia for transporting all our camping gear from the Gold Coast to Alice Springs. Thank you guys!

The Olgas KATA TJUTA

ULURU

At the heart of the student support philosophy is the belief that support comes in many forms. Students are encouraged to develop and nurture the relationships they have with not only our student support team, but with their Yalari peers.

Year 12 P a t h w a y s W o r k s h o p Held over three days in May, the annual Year 12 Pathways Workshop was hosted by Herbert Smith Freehills in their Brisbane office with accommodation for attendees at the Brisbane City YHA. The purpose of the workshop is to help students get prepared for life beyond boarding school. We aim to complement the great work already undertaken by our partner schools as we all support our students to achieve their goals.

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Workshop Key Focus Areas • • • •

Career foundations: resume and cover letter writing sessions. Job interview skills and preparedness.

Goal setting: personal and career, short-term and longterm goals.

Post-schools university sessions: how to apply for university, accommodation options etc.

Team building and leadership skills.

•

• •

How to search for and apply for scholarships, support available from Indigenous student support units, and alternative entry pathways.

Health, well-being and cultural identity for Year 12 and beyond.

Other post-school options: TAFE, internships; GAP year, employment.

The 2019 Yalari Year 12 Pathways Workshop was proudly funded by Herbert Smith Freehills. Our sincere thanks and gratitude for supporting our students in their development.

As well, a special thank you to the HSF staff members who volunteered their time at the workshop to run sessions and work one-on-one with our students to assist them in developing career skills for post-school.

Proudly funded and supported by Herbert Smith Freehills

Yalari News - “Winter Voice” 2019 | 11

YA L A R I PA RT N E R S A N D S P O N S O R S

Dennis Goldner

A Deloitte National Treasure!

Yalari has been honoured to enjoy a long-standing partnership with international global financial services company Deloitte, going back to the early days of Yalari when they assisted with pro-bono auditing work. From there, the Deloitte Foundation, led by Dennis Goldner, continued the very generous support of Yalari by not only sponsoring two Indigenous children on boarding school scholarships, but also hosting corporate breakfasts, raising money through beneficiary fundraising events and offering advice to Yalari students and alumni.

Deloitte staff have also humbled us with their energy and generosity through a workplace giving program, donating at Yalari fundraising dinners and volunteering their time at events.

The first of Deloitte’s sponsored students, Yalari alumnus Eric Gibson from Broome in WA, graduated from Scotch College Perth in 2016. Today, he is nearing completion of a cadetship with the Western Australia Police Force and will become a fully sworn police officer in the near future.

In 2019, Dennis Goldner was awarded Member (AM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia for ‘significant service to the community through charitable, health and cultural organisations’.

Mr Goldner’s contribution to social justice has been achieved through various roles over his distinguished career, including his leadership of the Oxfam Board, his role as Chair of the Deloitte Foundation Board and his roles with the Library Board of Victoria, Melbourne Chamber Orchestra and Castlemaine State Festival.

“Yalari’s support and guidance helped me to realise that giving back to the community is an important value that I hold close to my heart,” Eric says.

Eric

“By joining the Western Australian Police Force, I am now actively fulfilling a role in bridging the gap between Indigenous people and law enforcement and giving back to my community. I could not have done this without my sponsor, the Deloitte Foundation, through their immense generosity and belief in me,” he continues.

The Deloitte Foundation currently sponsor Moigida Loban, a Year 9 Anglican Church Grammar School student. Moi is from Badu Island in the Torres Strait and his favourite subject at school is Japanese.

Moi

“There are a few new challenges this year with the competition for sporting teams going up a notch but it’s no big deal! I’m continuing to enjoy my journey at boarding school and hoping for a few more challenges to come,” Moi explains.

“Thanks to my sponsor for getting behind my education for this year, and hopefully another three years!”

On Thursday 30 May, Deloitte bid a very special and poignant farewell to Dennis Goldner, Chair of The Deloitte Foundation for 10 years, and National Leader of Responsible Business at Deloitte Australia.

A number of people shared fond memories and cheeky stories of working alongside Dennis, and highlighted just a few of his many achievements. One of these is the lasting relationship he has forged with Yalari – one that will continue to deepen as Deloitte supports the Pathways Program and Life Skills Workshop over the next few years.

A very special and heartfelt thank you to Dennis Goldner and Deloitte for always believing in Yalari, and in the power of education to bring about Indigenous generational change. Your leadership and commitment has enabled Yalari children to learn, dream big and achieve.

Educating Indigenous Children

®

Working together since 2010 to educate and empower Indigenous children 12 | Yalari News - “Winter Voice” 2019

VOLUNTEERING

NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK The theme for National Volunteer Week 2019 was “Making

they donated a mind-blowing 6,606 hours to Yalari?! How lucky

a world of difference”. From 20–26 May 2019, thousands of

we are to have such selfless and committed people onboard.

events were held across the country to say thank you to the six

Volunteers make a real difference in the lives of our students,

million Australians who volunteer their time to worthy causes.

playing a vital role in Yalari providing quality educational

Yalari is proud to be part of this annual celebration, giving us

opportunities and support.

the opportunity to acknowledge the invaluable people who form

As part of National Volunteer Week celebrations and to recognise

part of our dedicated army of volunteers nationwide. These

the considerable impact of Yalari’s volunteers, we are delighted

special people are all “making a world of difference” through

to announce the Yalari National Volunteer State Award winners.

generously giving their time.

These amazing people were voted for via a nomination process.

Yalari has over 200 active volunteers. Did you know that in 2018

A huge congratulations to all our winners!

2019 YALARI NATIONAL VOLUNTEER STATE AWARD WINNERS Serena has been a member of the Melbourne Dinner Committee since 2016. She has been vital to the coordination and success of these events, overseeing catering and management, in addition to securing donation prizes.

Serena Seward Victoria Since 2011, Sarah has donated her time as a volunteer member of the Adelaide Dinner Committee. Being involved since our very first event in South Australia, Sarah has been instrumental to the overall success of these events, working in all facets of Sarah Cunningham event coordination.

South Australia

Jeannie Auty New South Wales

!

Jeannie has been a member of the Sydney Dinner Committee since 2010. She actively seeks auction donations and assists in other fundraising activities. Jeannie also plays a major role in promoting Yalari to her colleagues, networks and friends in New South Wales and Queensland.

Shanice Flemming Western Australia

As a member of the Yalari alumni, Shanice came onboard as a volunteer in 2018 because she wanted to give back. She has travelled across the Kimberley interviewing prospective Yalari scholars and has also volunteered at Yalari student camps.

Glenda joined Yalari in 2018 as a volunteer administrator in the Yalari office. She has been invaluable in securing donations for Yalari dinners and liaising with donors.

Glenda Botica Queensland

Della Bedford Alumni

Della is a Yalari alumna who graduated from Geelong Grammar School in 2014. While working fulltime at the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service, Della continues to volunteer for Yalari in various roles including interviewing prospective Yalari scholars and attending Yalari camps in peer support roles. Della also mentors current Yalari students in Melbourne.

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 volunteering@yalari.org or call (07) 5665 8688.

Yalari News - “Winter Voice” 2019 | 13

YAL ARI EVENTS

2 0 19 YAL A RI SY DNEY

Celebration

On Friday 31st May 2019, Yalari hosted its annual Sydney Dinner at the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth.

The night was an amazing opportunity to share the special stories of Yalari’s students and alumni. The outcomes these young people are achieving is remarkable and something we should all be proud of.

Through the extraordinary generosity of our attendees, we were able to raise a total of $185,000. This will go a long way to ensuring each of our Yalari children has the opportunity to learn, dream and achieve, and make a valuable contribution to our society.

We would like to gratefully acknowledge everyone who contributed to the success of this wonderful dinner. Without our valued donors, sponsors, supporters and friends we wouldn’t be able to offer the unique opportunities of education, development and support to Indigenous children.

We look forward to keeping you up-to-date on how your generosity is changing the lives of our students, their families and their communities and creating more opportunities for positive futures.

THANK YOU We would like to give a very special thank you to our event partners: Delmore Gallery, Epic Private Journeys, Hentley Farm, Humanitix, Lion, Veritas Events, Riboni Constructions and Toll. Also to our corporate tables: Clean Peak Energy, Herbert Smith Freehills and The Scots College.

MC and Yalari alumna, Rekisha Satour

Ezekiel Billy and Kaleb Taylor

The Kambala Girls

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Llew Mullins and Waverley Stanley with Kinross Wolaroi School students Alanah Tompkins (Year 10) and Sienna Lincoln (Year 9)

You're invited...

INSPIRING STORIES | GOOD COMPANY ENTERTAINMENT | GREAT FOOD & WINE TOP AUCTION ITEMS CELEBRATING SUCCESS

At Yalari, we believe education is the key to generational change and a brighter future. It is our mission to educate and empower Indigenous children from regional, rural and remote communities in order to bring about this change.

We do this by providing Indigenous children with full boarding school scholarships for their entire secondary education.

Abbotsleigh Girls

To help reach our goals, in 2019 Yalari is hosting fundraising dinners in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane. They are an opportunity for us to catch up with our friends and supporters in those cities and keep them informed of the progress we, the Yalari children, and the Yalari alumni have made over the last year.

Simply by purchasing a ticket to one of our dinners, you will be contributing to the ongoing success of Yalari’s scholarship program, with all proceeds going directly towards the provision of educational scholarships and student support activities.

We invite you to attend one of our upcoming Yalari events.

L to R: Monique Laurie (Kambala), Shuaib Rhodes-Swain (Riverview) Taleyah Hippi and Ezekiel Billy

MELBOURNE

Thursday 15 August 2019 6pm for a 7pm start Leonda By The Yarra 2 Wallen Road, Hawthorn PERTH

Friday 13 September 2019 6pm for a 7pm start The University Club of Western Australia Entrance 1, Hackett Dr, Crawley BRISBANE

Aunty Donna, “Mr Sold” and Ruby Chester

Friday 18 October 2019 6pm for a 7pm start Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre Merivale St & Glenelg St, South Brisbane

To purchase tickets www.yalari.org/tickets

Yalari News - “Winter Voice” 2019 | 15 Shore and Scots Boys

YALARI CORE VALUES

Compassion Openness Respect Resilience

Inclusiveness Excellence

W UMGINY G AR ALBU “ C om in g to g ether” - Yug amb eh l ang uag e, G o l d Coa st It takes a whole community to educate a child and the Yalari community is made up of many special, united people.

It’s about treating others like members of your own mob, your family — because everyone is important.

It’s about having the ability to value and embrace the diversity of experience, backgrounds, views and thoughts of others, because everyone is different.

It’s about ensuring that people feel valued, welcomed and cared for, no matter where they come from.

But it’s also about taking action to ensure Indigenous children have the right to learn, dream and achieve. To allow them the opportunity to make positive contributions as valued members of our Australian society.

Make a donation and be a part of a special community creating positive change by empowering Indigenous children through education. www.yalari.org WIN19YALANEWS

Where do you belong?

Join us and be a part of something special!

It is only through Yalari’s network of wonderful supporters that our students continue to achieve positive, life-changing outcomes for themselves, their families and their communities.

Be part of something special by helping Indigenous children be the best they can be. Together, we can make a difference.

Educating Indigenous Children

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