Judy and Noel Clancy describe themselves as “very ordinary people who care”.
More than fifty years together — and they’ve chosen to make what’s left count. What has changed, especially in later life, is how they think about what their working years have added up to – and what happens next.
“We do not have close family,” they say. “We are very ordinary people who care and hopeful we can leave a regular giving in our wills, which will please us with the cards we were dealt in life.”
For Judy and Noel, the idea of including Yalari in their wills has grown naturally out of years of quiet, steady support.
In retirement they built an off‑road caravan, bought a 4×4 and set off to see Australia, often choosing back roads and outback tracks. Today they live in Bargara, Queensland, where Noel volunteers at the Bundaberg Base Hospital and Judy swims “at every opportunity”.
Before they found Yalari, Judy and Noel supported different charities and sponsorship programs. Gradually, they began looking for an organisation whose approach to education, family and community really matched their own values – and where they could see the impact for themselves.
[We’re] confident with what Yalari is doing…[they] are the real deal with 100% focus on the kids and families – Noel Clancy, Yalari Supporter
They first heard about Yalari around 2005–06 through a TV story about founder Waverley Stanley and his former teacher, Rosemary Bishop, who helped him access a scholarship, with his parents’ support. Intrigued, they searched for more information and quietly followed Yalari’s progress for a few years before deciding to start a small regular donation around 2008.
“Over the years we have grown confident with what Yalari is doing,” they say. “Waverley and the rest of the crew are the real deal with 100% focus on the kids and families.”
They love seeing former students stay involved, and new programs like Yalari Ready and Pathways Scholarships.
“The growing Alumni and their involvement is inspiring and gives us pleasure that our little donation is helping,” they say. “We even allow ourselves to feel as if we have a purpose, and we trust Yalari to look after ‘our kids’.”
Research into bequest motives shows that most older people like the idea that some of what they’ve worked for will live on in a way that reflects their values. For Judy and Noel, putting Yalari in their wills is not about making a big statement. It’s about knowing that what’s left will go to “our kids” and the education they believe in.
For more information on how you can support Yalari through regular giving or through a gift in your will, please speak to our friendly team on (07) 5665 8688.
