A Gawura First Nations Scholarship can be a 13-year promise to a student and their family: building skills, connecting to culture and community, and offering wrap-around support to ensure success that aligns with the student’s aspirations, strengths and goals.
From Kindergarten, students build solid foundations in literacy, numeracy and learning confidence within a culturally affirming and safe environment. Practical wellbeing supports such as a free bus service, breakfast and nourishing lunches, when needed, remove learning barriers ensuring students are at school and ready to learn.
As students move through the middle and senior years, they grow in confidence, capability and identity.
Supportive transition pathways, First Nations mentors, leadership opportunities and access to outstanding co-curricular experiences help students discover their strengths, find their voice and grow into their potential. The long-term impact of our approach extends well beyond graduation.
Students leave school with the confidence to bridge worlds, pursuing further study or employment pathways, and contributing to their families and communities.
Academic achievement in 2025
- Gawura School students achieved above State averages in 6 out of 10 domains in NAPLAN
- 100% of Year 5 achieved in the top two bands in Spelling.
- 100% of Year 3 achieved in the top two bands in Writing
- 83% of Year 3 achieved in the top two bands in Numeracy.
- Three Year 12 graduates are now pursuing tertiary studies in Law, Business, and Construction Management.
Cultural learning experiences in 2025
- Weekly First Nations dance classes led by Aunty Rayma Johnson, Elder and former Bangarra Dance Company member.
- On Country experience led by local Elders for 30 students from Year 5 to Year 12, travelling to Central Australia and Uluru.
- Two On Country local cultural excursions led by Elders, parents and mentors.
- National Days of First Nations significance acknowledged or celebrated.
Wellbeing support in 2025
- 128 wellbeing and counselling sessions provided across K- 6
- 52 wellbeing and counselling sessions across Year 7 to Year 12
- Gawura School students reported overall Social-Emotional Wellbeing score of 123.4 against national benchmark of 118.7
- 92% of students rated wellbeing scores in the top ranges.
- 92% of students reported a positive sense of self “I like who I am”
- 100% of students reported “I get along well with my teacher”
- 100% of students reported strong family relationships, a critical foundation for wellbeing and learning.
Source
ACER Social-Emotional Wellbeing Survey 2025
Targeted support in 2025
- 70 homework club sessions provided Year 7 to Year 12
- 1 in 5 students accessed specialist therapy in K-6
- 95 speech therapy sessions provided across K-6
- 26 occupational therapy sessions across K-6
- 314 lunches provided
- Daily breakfast supplied
- 15 family hampers delivered each week
- Over 1,500 one-on-one reading sessions with volunteers
- Free dedicated bus service
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“Gawura gave us opportunities our family hadn’t had before; it changed what we believed was possible.”
Gawura First Nations Scholarship graduate
Alumni
The lives of Gawura First Nations Scholarship alumni show that making a generational difference is not a dream, but a reality. Their journeys reflect the long-term impact of sustained support.
Support us
The Gawura Scholarship Fund supports First Nations students from a low socio-economic background, with over 40% of families in the bottom quarter of social-economic disadvantage. From opening their own businesses, to being the first in their families to sit the HSC, to a fellowship at Oxford, to entering TAFE, or being an advocate for First Nations justice, we’re proud of our graduates who have found such differing and purposeful pathways. That’s what we call an achievement.
Support the Gawura Scholarship Fund today and become part of our next impact story.