Yalari Newsletter April 2014

Yalari Quarterly Newsletter

Newsletter V1 2014.indd 1

Issue 24

April 2014

7/04/14 8:47 AM

Waverley Stanley - Founding Director Welcome to our latest newsletter. Llew and I have just returned from a three week working holiday to undertake my Churchill Fellowship looking at education and leadership development initiatives in South Africa and Tanzania. The Fellowship allowed us to visit the School of St Jude in Tanzania, Life College in Johannesburg, Prestige College near Pretoria, Siyabonga School in Soweto and a primary school on the plains of the Serengeti while we were on safari.

I ticked off a ‘must do’ from my bucket list when we visited Robben Island.

Standing outside Nelson Mandela’s cell I pinched myself. The whole experience was so moving. This was where the autobiography ‘Long walk to Freedom’ was written and the manuscript smuggled out of jail.

We discussed many ideas over the three weeks, visited townships and watched the many children going off to school dressed proudly in their uniforms. The opportunity of education and the positive impact it has on the lives of all children, is paramount the world over. Access to quality education should not be a privilege but a right for all children. In some countries, this basic need is not a right.

However, in Australia, we must take advantage of what we learn, what we aspire to do and what we achieve. We are all lifelong learners of education from the cradle to the grave.

“Young people must take it upon themselves to ensure that they receive the highest education possible, so that they can represent us well in future as future leaders.” - Nelson Mandela.

Ezekiel Stanley, Year 12 at Church Grammar School is the Dorm senior for the year 8 boys in 2014.

Jada Davui, Year 8 student at St Hilda’s received a Banksia Spirit Award for her courage to participate in events to support her house.

George McCormick graduated from Toowoomba Grammar School in 2013 and has begun his university studies in Human Movement at Griffith University this year. George is also on a performance based initial rugby league contract with the Gold Coast Titans.

Zaniel Bin Busu received the UWA Albany Mt Romance Bessie Flowers Indigenous Young Australians Award for Year 7 in 2013.

Johanna Loban, Year 8 student at St Margarets has been selected to play in the QLD State Championships for her Volleyball team in May.

Marley Holloway-Clarke graduated from Scotch Oakburn College in 2013 and has since begun a Gap year working at a Yalari partner school, Geelong Grammar School. Marley is working in the Middle School - primarily in Art, Textiles and Photography. She is also helping in Boarding wwhich is great for all the Yalari students at Geelong.

COVER PHOTO: Great Southern Grammar Yalari scholars, Michelle Berrigan, Troy Laterre, Rekisha Satoure, Zamahl Bin Busu, Abby Richards and Zaniel Bin Busu.

Page 2

Newsletter V1 2014.indd 2

7/04/14 8:47 AM

Yalari Newsroom Mary Boydell has joined the Board of Yalari Limited as our Executive Chairman.

Mary’s initial appointment as Executive Chairman will enable her to get a really good feel for the work of Yalari after which it is envisaged that she will continue as Non-executive Chairman.

Mary is a Chartered Accountant with extensive experience in business and as a Non-Executive Director. Currently she is the Chairman of the Gladstone Area Water Board, a Board Member of the CSIRO, a Director of Uniquest Pty Limited and maintains a close interest in her family’s business.

Larissa Woosup Year 11 student from Canberra Girls Grammar School is a member of the National Indigenous Youth Parliament and has been selected Vice House Captain for 2014.

Rekisha Satoure Year 10 student from Great Southern Grammar School has been elected as Boarding House Leader in Endeavour House.

“I am honoured to have the chance to contribute to the work of Yalari in educating Indigenous children. Yalari’s, work together with committed families, the best boarding schools and generous sponsors, donors and volunteers makes a profound impact on the opportunities of our students. I am looking forward to meeting and working with the wide and wonderful Yalari family.” - Mary.

Zac Collins-Widders Year 12 student from The McDonald College has been elected Vice Captain of his boarding house.

Yalari would like to welcome our new staff members who have joined us in late 2013 and in 2014.

Koby Sellings Year 8 student from Geelong Grammar School has been elected as House Captain of his Boarding House.

Marissa Roberts joined our team in the role of Office Administrator and in addition to this role has taken on the role of Student Support Officer for our students at The Glennie School in Toowoomba.

Nardine Smith and Kerrie Tickner have both joined the accounts department as book keepers and Naomi Moran is our newest addition to the team in the role of Communications Manager.

We are also thrilled to have one of our Yalari students completing her Certificate II in Business Administration with Yalari as a school-based trainee. Finlay Yeeda is from Halls Creek in WA and is in Year 11 at St Hilda’s School in Southport.

Throughout 2013 and into this year we continue to receive support through our team of volunteers from around the country. Our volunteers assist with the day to day running of Yalari in various ways and are always on hand to work on our fundraising events during the year and support our staff with preparing student camps.

In August we look forward to our first Yalari fundraising dinner for 2014 in Melbourne.

The dinner will be held on Thursday August 21st at Leonda on the Yarra.

The Brisbane Yalari fundraising dinner will be held on Thursday September 11 at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Yalari staff and volunteers gathered for a morning tea on Thursday March 20th for National Close The Gap Day and in support of the Close The Gap campaign. For more information on the Close The Gap Campaign visit: www.oxfam.org.au/closethegap

Logan Taylor Year 12 student from The Southport School has been elected Vice Captain of his boarding house.

Yukio Chaplin Year 11 student from Scotch College in Perth is being sponsored to run the 10km City to Surf Fun Run for his Pay it Forward contribution.

Lakeycha Farnham Year 8 at Geelong Grammar School was selected as Art Captain for her Boarding House for 2014.

St Margarets Year 12 students Taneale Lawton and Shaquille Close-Knight were guests of Aurizon’s International Women’s Day lunch on March 7th with rugby league legend Steve Renouf (left) and Aurizons Executive Vice President of Operations Mike Franczak (right).

Page 3

Newsletter V1 2014.indd 3

7/04/14 8:47 AM

PHOTO: From left; Grace, Tenika, K’Tahni, Angel, Shahleena, Monique, Kayla and Taleyah.

ORIENTATION CAMP Winanggaay Nguurrang

‘the camp of thinking and understanding’ Congratulations to our 36 new students who were selected from regional, remote and rural communities as scholars to attend our partnership schools around the country to begin their secondary education in Years 7 or 8. They were joined by 35 returning students.

Students arrived on the Gold Coast for our 8th Annual Orientation Camp held at The Southport School from Monday January 13 until Friday January 17 in preparations for the new school year and the beginning of their Yalari journey.

The Winanggaay Nguurrang camp program is designed to introduce students to what they can expect from boarding school life and to ensure they are supported throughout their education as they strive to achieve their goals and dreams.

Students were welcomed to The Southport School and introduced to Yalari staff - including their Student Support Officers working with each school. Joining staff and volunteers were some of our senior Yalari students who were happy to be Junior Leaders for the camp and assist in welcoming the new and returning students.

The junior leaders spent time sharing their experiences on what it is like living away from home, how to cope with homesickness and letting students know they are supported by their school, teachers, community, family, friends and Yalari.

Junior Leader Mahlia explains the exercise.

On the first day of the camp student were divided into groups which were lead by the Yalari student Support Officers and Junior Leaders. Each class involved workshops and activities focusing on boarding school life - what to expect and how to make the most of their experience. Students were encouraged to make new friends, be organised, support one another and be proud of themselves and the opportunity they have to make a difference in their lives and their communities.

Throughout the week special guest speakers spent time with our students and shared their experiences through education, employment and personal success to inspire and influence our students.

Speakers included Jeremy Donovan from the Kuku-Yalanji tribe of far north Queensland; Benson Saulo who was the first Indigenous Australian appointed as the Australian Youth Representative to the United Nations; Australian actor Michael Rodrigues; Gomeroi man and lead facilitator for the National Indigenous Youth Leadership Academy (NIYLA), Marc Sutherland; University of Queensland graduate and Social Worker Carolyn De Witt-Ryall and Sophie Baker from yLead - a youth organisation empowering young people to live positively and be active leaders in their schools and communities.

Visiting the Gold Coast was a first for most of our students so we made sure the program included plenty of fun activities to

Benson Saulo and Marc Sutherland from Foundation for Young Australians with students.

Page 4

Newsletter V1 2014.indd 4

7/04/14 8:47 AM

PHOTO: From left; Adan, Quilon, Ryan, Ryan, Ezekiel, Zac (Junior Leader), Ali, Curtley (Junior Leader), Calvin, Eli and Shuaib.

experience the Queensland surf and sun!

The students participated in the ‘Amazing Race’ around Surfers Paradise and a swim at the beach on Tuesday. The highlight of the week was visiting Dreamworld on Thursday followed by a Disco on Thursday night and the certificate presentation.

The Southport School for ensuring the camp was a great start to the school year for our students.

Special thanks to The Leroy and Joy Brauer Perpetual Charitable Trust for funding the camp and to the families and communities for supporting their children’s education.

Yalari would like to thank our camp coordinators, Yalari staff Gary and Marissa, our team of volunteers, Junior Leaders and Students, staff and volunteers at Surfers Paradise beach after completing the ‘Amazing Race’ activity.

Junior Leader Tyus Arndt has a yarn with a students.

Page 5

Newsletter V1 2014.indd 5

7/04/14 8:47 AM

Partnership provides skills for the FUTURE Lipman Karas is delighted to be partnering with Yalari, helping it to realise its mission of educating and empowering Indigenous children.

Lipman Karas currently sponsors two students in Yalari’s program: Angel Miller at Scotch College Adelaide and Ryan O’Callahan at St Peter’s College. Through its alliance with Yalari, Lipman Karas hopes to maximise the educational opportunities available to Angel, Ryan and other Yalari students so they can make valuable contributions to their families and the wider community.

cultural and leadership opportunities for Angel, Ryan and other Yalari students in Adelaide.”

Lipman Karas aims to enrich Yalari students’ educational experience by deepening their connection to Adelaide and providing role models. Lipman Karas works to achieve this through a variety of initiatives, including visits by Yalari students to Lipman Karas’ office, group tours of art exhibitions by students and social occasions involving Lipman Karas’ team members.

Going forward, Lipman Karas will continue events like these designed to complement the educational experiences of Angel, Ryan and other Yalari students by enhancing their involvement in the local community.

Lipman Karas is a specialist legal practice based in Adelaide, with offices in London and Hong Kong. Philanthropic endeavours are an important part of Lipman Karas’ corporate culture. Engaging with and contributing to the local communities in which it works are crucial to fulfillment of Lipman Karas’ social responsibilities.

Relationships with organisations like Yalari provide an opportunity for Lipman Karas’ team members to give back to the community, sharing their skills and insights with others.

Yalari’s Founding Director Waverley Stanley says the partnership is invaluable for Yalari’s students and their futures as young Indigenous Australians.

“We are proud of our association with Lipman Karas. Their support is not only valuable financially but also in providing

Yalari Students Angel Miller and Ryan O’Callahan and below, Lipman Karas Staff with Yalari Students.

Page 6

Newsletter V1 2014.indd 6

7/04/14 8:47 AM

Charity football match a ROARING success Queensland politicians, media and coporate business leaders laced up their boots, sported Yalari jersey’s and took to the field in a charity football fundraiser for Yalari students in March.

Airport Corporation, The Coffee Club, Fairfax, and Hyundai.

The initiative by Brisbane Airport Corporation was supported by the Brisbane Roar and was played as a curtain raiser game before the Roar’s thrilling main game with Melbourne Victory at Suncorp Stadium.

At half-time of the main game, the Brisbane Roar and Melbourne Victory were yet to score, however Yalari were pleased to recieve a cheque for $30,000 raised by the charity match.

The Premier’s XI side was made up of local politicians including team captain - Assistant Minister for Multicultural Affairs Robert Cavallucci, and players representing media from Channel 10, Channel Nine, Channel Seven and Radio Station 97.3FM.

In the final minute of play the Brisbane Roar scored a goal winning the match 1-0 and became the A-League Premier’s for 2014 and will now head to the finals.

Defeating the politicians 2-1, the Corporate XI side featured players representing 14 corporate organisations and businesses including Port of Brisbane Corporation, Brisbane

Yalari would like to thank the Brisbane Airport Corporation, the Brisbane Roar and the charity match players for their support of future students.

PHOTOS: Above and clockwise from left; students and staff with Julianne Alroe from the Brisbane Airport Corporation with Politicans and Corporates presenting the cheque. Game time for the Politicians and Corporates charity match. Post-game celebrations for the Roar and Yalari students Shaquille Close-Knight and Rachyl Cameron were excited to meet Brisbane Roar star Jade North.

Join our team of VOLUNTEERS! Our volunteers come from all over Australia and support our program in many ways. You may apply to tutor one of our students, assist at a fundraising dinner, offer your sage advice, help transport students or choose from a whole host of other activities which provide invaluable support for our scholarship program. To find out more, please contact our National Volunteer’s Coordinator, Lou Wilson via mobile: 0414 471362 or email: lwilson@yalari.org Page 7

Newsletter V1 2014.indd 7

7/04/14 8:47 AM

TRINITY CAMP The Trinity College at The University of Melbourne hosted Yalari’s Year 10 camp for its second year from Friday February 14 through to Sunday February 16.

This weekend provides an opportunity for students to gain an insight into university life including a welcome tour of the campus on arrival and attending leadership, cultural and creative activities in university halls and lecture theatres.

Yalari students arrived energised and enthused for a weekend of workshops presented by various speakers, and the opportunity to catch up with other Year 10 Yalari students from around the country.

The first day of camp was a chance for students to get to know each other even better and learn more about themselves with a workshop on personal values delivered by Rosemary Blight from The University of Melbourne.

Students also had fun participating in creative communication activities which encouraged them to step outside of their comfort zones and work on their confidence in preparation for the future.

As always the students wished they could stay longer. Sunday saw everyone enjoy a few more activities before saying their goodbyes and heading back to school.

A highlight of the Friday program and a great end to the first day was a hip hop workshop delivered after dinner.

Thank you to Sue Karzis from Trinity College who helped design the exciting program for our students and thank you to our guest speakers and our students for a fantastic time in Melbourne.

The focus for the Saturday program was on leadership with students introduced to Kuku-Yalanji man Jeremy Donovan who shared his personal journey of culture, heritage, identity, self-worth and achieving his dreams.

Gina Poole from St Catherine’s School also worked with the students on active leadership and this lead into introducing the students to the ‘Pay It Forward’ program for 2014 with students brainstorming ideas on how they can raise money to put towards a scholarship for a fellow Yalari student.

PHOTOS: From left;w Year 10 Yalari students. Guest speaker Jeremy Donovan. Far right and above, student team building games and leadership activities.

Page 8

Newsletter V1 2014.indd 8

7/04/14 8:47 AM

HORIZONS The 2014 Horizons camp was hosted by the University of Queensland’s Business School for Yalari’s Year 11 students from Friday February 7 through to Sunday February 9 in Brisbane.

Students travelled from around the country to participate in workshops, activities, presentations and special projects over the three days and experienced living on campus.

Kicking off the first evening, students were welcomed by the University of Queensland’s Business School Associate Professor Dr Neil Paulsen and guest speaker James Reynolds - the first Indigenous Australian to graduate with an MBA from UQ. James spoke about growing up in Victoria and his experience through his tertiary education and his career.

Tricia Munn from Eyes Wide Open ran an informative and sobering session on

social media.

future.

Day two of the camp saw the students participate in a special project - ‘The Bikes for Tykes’ challenge.

A careers forum included a presentation

by Joel Johnson from the Queensland Reds on careers in sport.

Students worked in teams to build bicycles that were gifted to young refugees now living in Australia. It was a tough challenge for all but our students were proud of their efforts and the opportunity to present the bikes to the young children.

On the last day of the program, students were entertained by popular comedian Sean Choolburra who was an hilarious highlight for the camp.

We were fortunate to have some inspiring speakers return to the camp including Khoa Do, a Vietnamese refugee who is an experienced filmaker, and Paralympian Karni Liddell who shared her story of struggle and success as an Australian paralympic swimmer.

Yalari would like to thank the University of Queensland’s Business School for hosting our fourth Horizons camp.

Guest speaker Karni Liddell

All guest speakers and presenters provided advice for our students as they journey on to Year 12 next year and start to set goals and make plans for their

PHOTOS: Chelsea, Grace and Lara with guest speaker Khoa Do; comedian Sean Choolburra performs and Yalari Year 11 students and mentors at the camp.

Page 9

Newsletter V1 2014.indd 9

7/04/14 8:47 AM

Cori Summers YEAR 13 “Bond has great support. There’s the Nyombile Indigenous Centre where the Indigenous students at Bond can meet each other. We can even get all our printing done for free! I’ve signed up to be an Arts Tour Guide next semester too.”

Cori Summers graduated from St Hilda’s School on the Gold Coast last year. She was awarded the Bond Indigenous Pathways Award which is a 100% scholarship for the tuition of her degree.

“Mum cried when we found out,” Cori explained. “I come from Maryborough and I started on Yalari five years ago. If it wasn’t for Yalari I don’t think university would have been an option for me. I’m studying a Bachelor of International Relations and I love it. It’s easy because I enjoy it, but I am studying really hard.

It’s really good not having to wear a school uniform too”.

Bond university was the first private university in Australia.

They run three semesters per year as opposed to the usual two semesters per year. Cori will complete her degree in two years.

“I think I’d like to study for my masters overseas in 2016”, she said. “Maybe England”.

Bond University is home to Australia’s largest private collection of Indigenous art on public display. Dr Patrick Corrigan AM has almost single-handedly created the Bond University Indigenous and non-Indigenous Art Collection. Bond staff and Indigenous students walk guests through the collection. During the hour long tour, guests will learn about the history of Indigenous art and interesting facts about the artists and stories behind the paintings.

“Before Yalari I hadn’t even been out of the state of Queensland. One of the things I really love about Yalari is the camps they take us on. In Year 9 we all went to Central Australia. That’s when I started to learn more about Indigenous culture in Australia, and where we all got to bond again as a year group from all over the country,” Cori said.

“I was a Junior Leader a few years ago for the Yalari Orientation Camp. There was about 12 of us, some in senior years at school and a couple of tertiary students. We were there to help support and encourage the new Yalari students. I felt like a real leader for the first time. And this year, I was a mentor at the Yalari University of Queensland Horizons weekend camp for our Year 11 students. I have a younger brother, Jeri who is also on a Yalari scholarship.

I don’t think he would have applied if I didn’t. Now he’s in Year 11.”

“The thing for me about being on Yalari, is that it’s nice to have people who care like the Yalari staff and the other Yalari kids from all over Australia.”

Cori as a Year 12 student at St Hilda’s School

Shauna Sandow, Year 12 graduate from The Glennie School, Kahlisha Austral, Year 12 PLC Armidale, Cori Summers and Raier Blakeney, Year 12 graduate from St Hilda’s School celebrate Kahlisha’s 18th birthday.

Page 10

Newsletter V1 2014.indd 10

7/04/14 8:47 AM

Reconciliation, empowerment and PRIDE! Taneale Lawton, Year 12 St Margaret’s School Brisbane, was asked to write to the younger Yalari girls in her school.We thought there was special messages for all Yalari students in her words so she gave us permission for all to read.

“The words of a 17 year old girl may be worthless but from my perspective it makes a difference. I have been on Yalari since I was 13 years old and now. I’m continuing in my final year of schooling at St Margaret’s Anglican girls school. I attended St Mary’s Catholic School in a little town south-west of Queensland, Charleville. It was a rather typical country town in Australia, many of which were victimised by floods and endless droughts. I grew up around my whole family, including all first cousins. So I was very family-orientated which I think has been a great advantage giving me endurance, strength and love throughout my experiences in life thus far. In year 7, I was privileged to honour my school as school captain for 2009. It was an achievement, when looking back, that kickstarted my adventurous life.

When Waverley and Llew came to Charleville and interviewed me at my house I was extremely nervous and perplexed. These people in my kitchen were the beginning of endless opportunities. And they were in my kitchen ... talking to my mum! I was quite emotional in ways of butterflies making your stomach weird and tingly. I remember, distinctly, Llew asking me to write an essay telling Waverley and herself why I should be chosen to be a Yalari scholar. I looked at mum trying to connect to her telepathic mind, HELP! HELP! When I’m put on the spot without anything to say I start to smile. So I was there, white teeth glittering through my openmouth, ‘yeah sure I’ll give it a go’. So I went to the lounge room and started writing. I started as usual, where I’m from, my background blah blah … but then I started writing about what I wanted to contribute to Yalari.

They gave me this amazing opportunity for a greater education and I didn’t really know what affect that would have on me until now. Until I went to St Margaret’s for the first time on the 25th Janurary in 2010. Until I met my first friend that has and still is putting up with my goofy self.

Until I realised how funny black people are when telling a story. Until I realised just how we were perceived in today’s society. Until I realised I wasn’t the only Indigenous child wanting to take a stance.

How alone I felt was completely indescribable and fiercely frightening.

I was on the tip of the iceberg and really really homesick. But just smiling, just being me got me a friend and then another and another

until we were all hysterical laughing in one of the many dormitories in the boarding house oblivious to our families miles away. I’ll say it to anyone I meet, boarding school is a great experience that is filled with wonderful memories, stocking moments and endless friends. If I were to be in Charleville attending the high school, my future would be limited. You know why? Because the education there compared to here is limited. My career pathway is focused by my knowledge and understanding of life. I would have fewer choices there than I have here.

Yeah it’s scary taking that step to a place you’ve never been and wouldn’t think you would ever go but look, you’re here and you are with me.

One of the 185 students on a Yalari Scholarship attempting to make a difference. It’s about reconciliation and empowering young Indigenous children. We are the future of our people. As much as we seek knowledge and understanding from our elders, whom I respect, it is our time to shine and finding knowledge and understanding only comes from education.

So forget the small things; fights, homesick, homework, chapel, sheetchange day etc. AND THINK BEYOND THAT. Think of a place you would like to be in 10 years and if you do that every now and then, you will be having brunch with Brad Pitt or Leonardio Dicaprio. I believe you have come here for a reason, the same reason I came here. We are the voice, and we are tired of being categorised as ‘these people’. You and I together, will make a difference … all I ask is you give it a go.

It’s my last year and all I think about is the future. I’m use to going back to school, prepping for the real world. But next year, there will be no school and I will be out there. I think of school making a difference, but I’m at the stage of my life where I have to start applying my knowledge and understanding to life and execute it in my career. I thought I would always go to university and study drama or creative writing because I love reading books and watching movies - my interests have evolved (just like yours will when your time comes) and I have found other things that interest me. So please, this is me writing - Taneale Lawton, Yr 12 just down the stairs from you - and I’m asking you if you just give everything ago because no matter what there will be someone watching you, and someone is proud of you too.

For girls in Year 8 – 10 I STRONGLY recommend you have the best time of your lives while your young. Keep consistent with work but do not stress yourself out because there is nothing that important to stress about. Read lots of books or watch a lot of movies/tv shows and go out and meet new people.

Yr 11: Hopefully you have chosen subjects that you are very passionate about. Keep at it, stay on TOP of work and really use the resources around you to aid you in your assignments. Take time to socialise and REMEMBER to have fun!

Taneale Lawton.

Junior school cultural experience Kiara Davies, Alyssa McGrady and I were asked to go to the Junior School to tell Year 3 students Aboriginal stories of the Dreamtime. We collected our photos and stories and were on our way.

As we entered the classroom, all the girls looked excited. We introduced ourselves and we told them our stories. There were many questions such as, ‘What does it mean by, in the beginning?’ which we answered from our knowledge of Dreaming and how the world was formed according to Aboriginal culture.

The staff and children sounded very pleased to have us. I think that it is great that Junior School students are starting to learn more about our culture and who we are.

Alana Sharpley - Year 8, Abbotsleigh School, Sydney.

Page 11

Newsletter V1 2014.indd 11

7/04/14 8:48 AM

Brad’s big trek for YALARI Growing up in Western Queensland in the Dawson Valley, Brad Horn was always looking for his next adventure. After graduating from Toowoomba Grammar School he served with the Australian Army and lived in Botswana in Africa for six years where he began operating safaris for travellers to the African wilderness.

fundraising for the Yalari dinners by donating Epic Private Journeys holidays to the auctions held on the night of the dinners. In April I will be making my way to Nepal in preparations to climb Mt Everest in support of two Australian charities - Cerebal Palsy Allicance and Yalari.” he said.

Today, Brad’s company Epic Private Journeys provide tailored travel guides to destinations around the world - including Africa, Papua New Guinea, Bhutan, Indonesia and North America - sharing with travellers a more intimate, cultural, unique and trusted travelling experience.

Brad and his colleague Kevin Jackson will embark on the ultimate adventure to attempt the 8,848 metre summit challenge in May.

After returning home to Toowoomba for a school reunion in 2004, Brad tells us he remembers listening to one of his school mates addressing the room and speaking about his vision and his own journey with Indigenous education. His mate was Yalari’s Founding Director Waverley Stanley - a mate he once shared the sporting field with as a school boy and now, a mate he wanted to share this vision and new journey with.

“Waverley is a good mate and so when he was at the reunion and talked about his plans for Yalari, I asked him how I could help. Since the conception of Yalari I have been involved with

To encourage people to support Brad’s quest to conquer Everest and raise money for Yalari students, Epic Private Journeys have a website for Brad and Kevin to blog about their climb and for people to view their intinerary, track their progress and make a donation to support Yalari.

To view the website and donate you can visit: www.epicprivatejourneys.com/everest For more information on travel to destinations through Epic Private Journeys you can visit: www.epicprivatejourneys.com Yalari would like to thank Brad and his team at Epic Private Journeys for their continued support and we would like to wish Brad and Kevin a safe journey in their Everest challenge.

PHOTOS: Brad Horn from Epic Private Journeys and Brad with Kevin who will join him on the climb to Mt Everest in support of Yalari.

Yalari scholar Tyus Arndt featured in the opening of Bond University’s Live at Bond music series in March supporting funk reggae band Bustamento.

A Year 12 student at Churchie in Brisbane, Tyus has been singing since he was in grade 7 including performances with Gondwana National Children’s Choir which featured in the 2009 “I still call Australia home” Qantas campaign and he is currently completing a school-based traineeship in Media with 98.9FM in Brisbane.

PHOTOS: (top) Fellow Yalari students showing their support for Tyus and (left) Tyus Arndt performing at Live at Bond with Bustamento.

Page 12

Newsletter V1 2014.indd 12

7/04/14 8:48 AM

Marcus Paterson is pictured with his family as they hand over the films at the sacred Lorrkkon ceremony.

Ceremony HONOUR I travelled to Canberra on Tuesday March 28.

My trip to Canberra was about a ceremony - sacred Lorrkkon ceremony - that had been carried out for my Great Grandfather Bill Neidjie (my Great Grandmother’s brother).

When he had passed away in 2002 we put his bones in a cave in Hawk Dreaming in Kakadu.

The reason for this was he was one of the traditional owners for Kakadu National Park, a Bunitj elder, and one of the last to speak the language. He wanted to continue our stories for generations to come.

Before he died he decided to break traditional law and asked us to hold on to this story by documenting his funeral and stories. Normally funeral ceremonies are private events and are only ever held ‘on country’. For the first time ever, this special ceremony was held away from country. That’s why I got painted up with ochre and danced at the ceremony with my family.

We handed over the documentary to the National Film Archives. It was very emotional but we knew that we were doing the right thing by continuing his stories for our people.

Marcus Paterson Year 8, Geelong Grammar School.

Students are big fans of JACK! Australian actor Jack Thompson was a special guest at the sacred Lorrkkon Ceremony in Canberra which also launched the 50th anniversary of AIATSIS - the Australian Institute for Aboriginal and Torres Strati Islander Studies.

Yalari students from Canberra Girls Grammar School were excited to have met the film icon at the ceremony.

Thank you Jack for taking time to say hello to our girls.

From left; Sarah-Kait Kirkland, Mia Hodges, Lyric Hearn and Larissa Woosup with Jack Thompson.

Page 13

Newsletter V1 2014.indd 13

7/04/14 8:48 AM

Yalari Fundraising DINNERS he Yalari Fundraising Dinners are an exciting way to catch up with supporters, school staff, volunteers, committee members and the Yalari children.

Our dinners are a celebration of the whole Yalari community.

Many people put a lot of hard work into the success of these evenings and we are tremendously grateful to the committee members, the individuals and companies who donate prizes, the entertainers, auctioneers and of course the hundreds of guests who chose to attend our events.

In 2013 we held our Melbourne dinner in August at Leonda on the Yarra, Sydney was in September at The Westin, Brisbane was October at the Brisbane Exhibition and Convention Centre and lastly Adelaide was held at St Peter’s College, Memorial Hall in November.

Each dinner raised awareness for Yalari and much needed funds for our scholarship program. Yalari children were the MC’s, guest speakers, performers and ambassadors, each playing their own special part in the evening and making themselves, their families and Yalari very proud of their achievements.

Many thanks to the main dinner partners, Skilled in Melbourne, Lendlease in Sydney, Arrow Energy in Brisbane and Broadspectrum Transfield Services in Adelaide. Special thanks to our many corporate partners and guests who took corporate tables on the night also.

In 2014 we’re looking forward to many more events to thank our generous supporters and to showcase our students excelling in so many different ways.

MAJOR DINNER PARTNERS:

EVENT PARTNERS:

CORPORATE SUPPORT:

Page 14

Newsletter V1 2014.indd 14

7/04/14 8:48 AM

Yalari’s jewellery line with BIJARR

Yalari is excited to partner with Guugu Yimidhirr artist and owner of Bijarr Creations Nikki Chenoweth to create an exclusive jewellery and merchandise line as a fundraising initiative for Yalari.

The jewellery and merchandise is made entirely of polymer clay and created using the ancient art form of millefiori.

Nikki’s beads have been very popular at the Yalari dinners and she partnered with Yalari to launch a unique line of products including jewellery, homewares and accessories.

“The Yalari Collection” will be officially launched in the coming months. Please refer to the website for more details.

www.bijarrcreations.com.au Page 15

Newsletter V1 2014.indd 15

7/04/14 8:48 AM

Yalari’s VISION Yalari is committed to the empowerment, motivation and support of Indigenous children from regional, rural and remote communities throughout Australia.

As a not-for-profit company, Yalari is dedicated to creating a national network of educational opportunities for Indigenous children.

Founded in 2005, Yalari seeks funding from government, corporate and individual benefactors to support Indigenous children’s education.

Yalari aims to provide programs which will bring about long-term generational change by giving Indigenous children the opportunity for a first-class education through full boarding scholarships at some of the highest achieving secondary schools in Australia. Yalari, from the Birri Gubba Indigenous Language group, means ‘child’. It is the name Waverley Stanley, as the Founding Director, has been given permission to use by the late Grandfather ‘Blokey’ Wilson.

Australian music to support Yalari STUDENTS International world music label Putumayo will release a CD compilation entitled ‘Australia’ in May this year celebrating the diverse cultures and international music that have influenced the country.

The album will feature various Australian artists including The Beautiful Girls, Lee Kernaghan, Xavier Rudd, legendary Aboriginal singer Archie Roach, The Waifs and Torres Strait Islander songman Seaman Dan. Putamayo will contribute 1% of its sales from the album to Yalari.

YALARI LIMITED PO BOX 1355 Oxenford QLD 4210

Since Putumayo was established in 1993, the company has been committed to supporting non-profit organisations around the world by donating money from album sales.

To find our more about the album release and to grab your copy of the CD, visit www.putumayo.com

P: 07 5665 8688 F: 07 5665 8611 E: info@yalari.org W: www.yalari.org ABN: 66 113 794 148 ACN: 113 794 14 Yalari is a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee.

Donations and Support Yalari would like to hear from organisations and individuals interested in supporting us. To make a donation please complete the form below. To discuss your ideas about how you could help Yalari or to make a bequest please contact us on 07 5665 8688. Gifts over $2 are tax deductible.

Donation options are: $600 per year for pocket money for a student. $1,000 per year for textbooks.

NAME: ____________________________________________________________________________________________

(FIRST NAME) (FAMILY NAME)

$1,000 per year for laptop hire.

ADDRESS: ________________________________________________________________________________________

$1,500 per year for school uniforms.

STATE: ____________ POST CODE: ____________ COMPANY: __________________________________________ PHONE: _______________________ EMAIL: ___________________________________________________________

$20,000 per year for a childs education.

DATE: ________________________ DONATION AMOUNT: ______________________________________________ METHOD OF PAYMENT (TICK ONE) CHEQUE:

Please make cheque payable to Yalari Limited.

CREDIT CARD:

VISA

MASTERCARD

CARD NUMBER: ___________________________________________________________________________________ NAME ON CARD: __________________________________________________________________________________ EXPIRY DATE: _________________ CARDHOLDER’S SIGNATURE: ________________________________________

Page 16

Newsletter V1 2014.indd 16

WWW.YALARI.ORG

7/04/14 8:48 AM