On August 4th, we celebrate National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day with the 2025 theme ‘Little Footsteps, Big Future’. This day is a meaningful opportunity to honour the strength, culture and stories of our Yalari students, including Gemma, a proud Gamilaraay and Wailwan girl.
Growing up in the rural town of Coonamble, NSW, meant weekends were filled with sport, family, and time spent on Country for Gemma. “Our time was occupied by sports,” she recalls. “Whether it was my brothers local football games or my netball competitions. We would also often help out on our farm, Spring Creek, and spend time with our cousins, aunties, and uncles or just nan and pop.”
Currently boarding at Kinross Wolaroi School on a Yalari scholarship, Gemma is grateful for the educational opportunity, while staying strongly connected to her culture. “Even though boarding school is quite far from home, I continue to make the effort to build on the connection to my Indigenous culture” she says. Whether it’s regular contact with community, contributing to cultural activities like dance and art, or reflecting on values and traditions, culture remains a core part of life. “At home I make sure that I attend local events, classes, and NAIDOC Week activities.”
Kinross Wolaroi School has been a significant change from Gemma’s primary school in Coonamble. “Kinross has around 1000 boarding and day students compared to Coonamble Primary School with 200 local school children.” Yalari offers a comprehensive support model to nurture each student as they transition from regional and remote schools to boarding school. This includes receiving tutoring through our Aspire Academic Program, a dedicated Yalari Student Support Officer at each of our 20 partner schools, as well as cultural connection activities through our Thrive Wellbeing Program.
Gemma at Yalari’s 2021 Orientation Camp.
Gemma attends Kinross Wolaroi School in Orange, NSW.
Looking ahead, Gemma dreams of making a difference in her career. “I have a strong interest in becoming a lawyer after high school or if not, pursuing a career in social work,” she shares. “I have always wished to do something that helps individuals and creates real change, especially for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities.” Whether in courtrooms or communities, Gemma will continue to be supported by Yalari’s Pathways team following her graduation from high school. This program sees all senior Yalari students and alumni engage in camps, leadership opportunities and personal support. Whether it be career advice or equipping individuals with the life-skills they need to excel in the next phase of life, our Pathways team stay engaged with our growing cohort of 588 alumni.
Much of Gemma’s strength and determination comes from those who came before. “I look up to my great-grandmother Judy,” she says. “She is someone who continues to show incredible resilience, strength, and commitment. Her ability to stay strong during tough times and continue to show kindness and leadership is something I admire most.”
To Gemma, Yalari is not just a scholarship, it has also opened doors to new possibilities. “Yalari means growth, opportunity, and connection to me. It is much more than just a scholarship but a support system that helps me reach goals while staying connected to Indigenous culture.”
Through Yalari, Gemma has found not only the tools to pursue her ambitions, but a community that reminds her of who she is and where she comes from. “I am given the pride in who I am and where I come from through Yalari and it motivates me to work hard so I can give back to my own family and community one day.”
