Education is widely recognised as one of the most powerful pathways to breaking cycles of social disadvantage and exclusion, improving income, employment and health.
AIHW.gov.au
For nearly 20 years it’s been a delight to see our students discover their unique gifts, and pursue them, whether in a trade, a career in the arts, or in overseas study. Every story is different.
Success takes all shapes, from a struggle with literacy transformed to reading independently by the extra help of a speech pathologist; a young person unsure of themselves, to finding a love of music and developing the confidence to take a lead position in the school musical; or a Year 6 Gawura School student who steps into St Andrew’s Cathedral School’s Secondary School with confidence.
The Gawura Scholarship Fund has provided opportunities that have had a profound impact on the lives of students, their families, and community.
Student stories
Investment in a First Nations student benefits more than an individual, it benefits a community.
Josh is a Gawura First Nations Scholarship holder completing Year 12 at St Andrew’s Cathedral School, with aspirations to join the Police Force after school. Already demonstrating a commitment to giving back to community, Josh is living our vision of Bridging Worlds, Building Futures through his volunteer work with ‘at risk’ youths at Police Citizens Youth Clubs (PCYC) NSW. Josh works at PCYC before and after school mentoring and guiding younger First Nations kids. Featured on Channel 7 News “Bright Side” Josh shared his motivation and passion:
“I want to give kids the opportunity I had when I was so young”
Josh, Student Year 12.
Finding a voice and encouraging those who follow
Mizpah is a Gawura First Nations Scholarship holder who began her journey in Kindergarten at Gawura School. Beyond academics, school has helped her build confidence, discover her voice, and grow strong in who she is. Whether performing in cultural dance, leading her touch football team, participating in the School musical or serving on the Student Leadership team, Mizpah hopes younger students see that they belong and can achieve their goals too. Last year, she performed in the First Nations dance at the School’s end of year event (ECAP) alongside younger Gawura School students. For Mizpah, participating was also about being a role model for younger students and encouraging them to step forward with confidence. “If they have problems at home or school, I want to show them they belong here and that they can achieve things. I want them to know who they can become, and if you want to try something but you’re scared, just go for it,” she says.
“You never know what you’ll achieve unless you try.”
Mizpah, Student Year 9
Affirming strengths through identity and culture
Sonny is completing his final year at St Andrew’s Cathedral School, he joined Gawura School in 2018. Given his creativity he is doing two major works in Industrial technology; timber and furniture, as well as Visual Arts. When Sonny was in Year 9, he completed his Personal Project which is a passion project developed over nine months.
“For my Middle Years Personal Project, I made a yiḏaki (the didgeridoo). The yiḏaki is a ceremonial instrument, it’s used in ceremonies … and I’ll need it in within my initiation. The log was gifted to me by my Uncle Lachie, and the shape of the log determines its pitch. One of the rewards of this has been showing my Mum every step of the way. She gifted me the story of the Rainbow Serpent to go along with this project and the decoration encompasses the three rivers that are the closest to me.”
Student: Sonny M GR, 2024
Partner with us
Stories like Josh, Sonny and Mizpah’s reflect the power of long-term educational opportunity and belief in a young person’s potential. This work is only possible with your support.
Be a part of our next student success story.
Alumni stories
Kasarina Mann
Proud Mbarbaram, Kuku Yalanji, Yidinji and Guugu Yimithirr woman
Kasarina Mann completed an MSc in Clinical Embryology at Jesus College, Oxford, as a 2019 Charlie Perkins Scholar. She also holds a Bachelor of Health Sciences (Psychology) from the University of Sydney, where she received the Dr Charles Perkins AO Memorial Prize. Kas is undertaking medicine at the University of Sydney, with plans to pursue a career in gynecological oncology practice and research. She aims to address inequities experienced by First Nations women in cancer care by providing cultural safe care and increasing participation and access to early detection services.
Aliyah Gordon
Proud Gooreng Gooreng and Bundjalung (Githabul) woman
While at St Andrew’s Cathedral School, Aliyah Gordon was a strong senior student leader and advocate for First Nations voice and visibility and a respected leader and role model supporting and guiding younger students through shared learning and experience.
Today Aliyah works as a Business Support Officer at Souths Cares, the community and charitable arm of the South Sydney Rabbitohs. Alongside her professional role, she is an accomplished rugby league athlete who has represented the Rabbitohs through the club’s elite female pathways.
Aliyah also serves as an ambassador for Souths Cares’ Gambling Education Campaign, promoting positive decision-making and harm minimisation for young people and First Nations communities. Her journey reflects a strong commitment to leadership, community and creating better pathways for the next generation.
Sonny Green and Sadie Green
Gamilaroi people with family originating from Moree and Brewarrina
Siblings Sonny and Sadie Green are Gawura First Nations Scholarship alumni. Sadie was one of the first to complete the K-12 journey from Gawura School through to Year 12 at St Andrew’s Cathedral School. Her brother Sonny completed his secondary years.
As professional artists running their own creative business, in 2024 they were commissioned by the Schools to complete a mural, a visual depiction of the Kindergarten to Year 12 journey, and all the communities who are part of it along the way. The mural sits proud on the rooftop playground wall at St Andrew’s Cathedral School.
In 2024, Sonny contributed artwork to a major Murray–Darling Basin campaign developed alongside First Nations social agency and creative studio, celebrating the deep cultural connections First Nations communities hold with waterways, Country and storytelling.
