Olympic gold medallist Cathy Freeman AC has been named the first Yalari Champion. She was announced at the Yalari Gala Dinner in Melbourne on 21 October 2026.
Yalari Champions are ambassadors who use their voice and profile to share the stories of Yalari students, raise awareness of the difference a quality education can make for Indigenous children, and encourage Australians to get behind Yalari’s scholarships.
A two-time world champion, Cathy represented Australia at three Olympic Games in 1992, 1996, and 2000, winning gold in the 400-metre at the Sydney Olympics.
Cathy’s connection to Yalari began with her own boarding school experience. She attended Fairholme College in Toowoomba and later Kooralbyn on sporting scholarships. Like many Yalari students today, she moved away from home to pursue educational opportunities.
“I understood that it was a pretty incredible opportunity that I had to make the most of, even though I got terribly homesick at first,” Cathy said.
At the dinner, Yalari alumna Marlley sat down with Cathy and Year 11 Geelong Grammar School students Isaac and Ruben for a yarn about their boarding school experiences. Isaac, from Bairnsdale, is a Yalari Senior Leader and Ruben, from Euston, is a Yalari Captain and was recently appointed First Nations Captain of Geelong Grammar School.
Together, they spoke about life at boarding school, from those weekly calls home and the friendships that stand the test of time, to the role models, resilience, and character that help young people thrive. Cathy reflected on how her experiences both in and out of the classroom helped shape her future, acknowledged the vital support of parents and families, and encouraged students to “give oxygen to your own dreams”, aim high, and embrace the opportunities beyond their hometowns.
Yalari founder Waverley Stanley AM said:
“Cathy Freeman is an Australian icon, but what makes her so special is her authenticity. She has always remained true to who she is, never forgetting where she comes from, and those are values that resonate deeply with Yalari.
“This is about friendship and shared purpose. Yalari brings people together to support Indigenous children from regional and remote communities to access quality education opportunities at boarding schools across Australia. The impact of that support extends well beyond the classroom, creating opportunities that can benefit families, communities and generations to come. We’re proud to welcome Cathy as a Yalari Champion.”
Read Cathy’s full Q&A about boarding school and the advice that helped her make the most of the opportunity: Cathy Freeman on boarding school to chasing big dreams – Yalari
