Yalari EOFY Appeal
Small
Steps,
Big
Change.
Big Change.
Alumni Todd Ellis: Caring for Country and Community
Todd grew up in Lightning Ridge NSW, living between town and on the family farm, often visiting his community in nearby Goodooga. “Being a small town, I basically spent all of my time outside helping on the farm and hunting” reflects Todd.
When Todd was in Year 5, a school counsellor noticed his academic potential and introduced him to Yalari. “I was interested in boarding school but my family could not afford it financially, which is why Yalari was a good option for me.” Learning more about Yalari, he knew that a scholarship would offer greater options for his future.
Todd received a Yalari scholarship to start Toowoomba Grammar School in 2008, the same school that Yalari’s Founding Director Waverley Stanley AM attended in 1979 on scholarship. It wasn’t without its challenges, but with support from Yalari and the school, he persevered. “There were subjects and extracurricular activities I’d never even heard of back home. If I’d stayed in Lightning Ridge, I probably would’ve left school in Year 10 to work on the farm full-time.”
After finishing Year 12, Todd began studying a Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science at UNE in Armidale. Though he eventually stepped away from full-time study, he discovered a path that fed his desire to make a difference.
Today, Todd works as a Senior Project Officer at the NSW Environment Protection Authority, helping shape policies and initiatives that care for Country and build meaningful relationships with Aboriginal communities. Living in Dubbo with his wife and two daughters he also works with Fire and Rescue NSW.
“The work I do now, gives me a platform to serve community, build better outcomes for Aboriginal people, and care for Country for future generations.”
Todd’s story highlights the transformative power of a Yalari scholarship in creating equitable opportunities for Indigenous youth in regional and remote communities, creating a ripple effect for families, communities, and future generations.
By making a tax-deductible donation to the Yalari Foundation, you’ll help ensure more Indigenous Australians can access the same life-changing opportunities that shaped Todd’s future.
Show Your Support
All donations made to the our End of Financial Year Appeal will go toward he Yalari Foundation, home to the Mary Boydell Endowment Fund. Earnings from this fund will help Yalari operate in perpetuity.
Click here for more information about the Yalari Foundation.
