“My name is Erika Freebairn and I’m from Hammond Island, known in my language as Kirriri Island. Growing up there was a delightful adventure filled with fun and excitement. I spent my days fishing, learning about my culture and enjoying all the wonderful activities the island life had to offer me. In my free time, […]
Erika Mentors the New Yalari Students Read More »
When Barbara and her husband began searching for a cause to support in their retirement, they wanted to find an organisation that aligned with their values—something meaningful, impactful, and lasting. In 2007, an article in the Sydney Morning Herald by Adam Spencer introduced them to Yalari. Adam’s reflections on the fundraising event he had emceed
Barbara’s Journey with Yalari: A Legacy of Giving Read More »
“As we step into 2025, we are proud to unveil our 20th Anniversary logo—marking two decades of empowering Indigenous children through education, forging generational change, and walking alongside alumni as they follow their own journeys and become leaders and role models within their families, communities and workplaces. The logo design brings together the colours of
Celebrating 20 Years of Yalari Read More »
When Marnie Jones, a proud Gamilaraay, Barkindji woman, applied for a Yalari scholarship in 2010, she could never have imagined how profoundly it would shape her journey. Encouraged by her parents and inspired by members of her hometown community in Lightning Ridge, rural New South Wales, who had excelled at boarding school, Marnie saw the
Yalari Alumna Marnie Jones on Education, Opportunity, and Giving Back Read More »
Beyond our core purpose of educating Indigenous children from remote communities, we are also dedicated to supporting our Yalari alumni, creating opportunities for them to thrive. Yet, like many of us, our alumni often lead busy lives, with their own wellness sometimes falling to the wayside. Recognising this, our Yalari Pathways team developed the ‘Alumni
Alumni Mob Retreat: Connection, Reflection & Growth Read More »
Each year, Yalari hosts Gala Dinners in Sydney, Adelaide, and Brisbane, along with a Cocktail Function in Melbourne. These events provide a wonderful opportunity for supporters to connect with our students and alumni and celebrate their achievements. Our largest event in Brisbane draws over 800 guests, and behind each event there is a Dinner Committee
Ted McArdle’s Volunteer Journey with Yalari Read More »
Six years ago, in 2018, twenty-five children from remote and regional communities around Australia took a bold leap to apply for Yalari’s Rosemary Bishop Indigenous Education Scholarship. They welcomed Yalari staff into their homes for an initial interview, to discuss the enormous opportunity that lay ahead. When we met these young people, we saw children
Each year, Yalari hosts the Year 11 ‘My Future’ Camp, bringing together students from across Australia to explore potential career paths as they prepare to complete high school. Held in August, at Bond University, this inspiring weekend offers a mix of career-focused sessions, wellness activities, and opportunities for cultural connection. Through a series of sessions,
Exploring Future Pathways: Year 11 ‘My Future’ Camp Read More »
Martina Marshall (pictured: middle), a proud Waluwarra woman, grew up in the small town of Dajarra, approximately 2 hours south of Mt Isa, with a population of 200 people.  As the second youngest of seven siblings, Martina always looked up to her older sister, Briyoni, as a role model, having graduated from a Yalari scholarship
Yalari Students Pay It Forward With NAIDOC Week Art Show Read More »
Yalari respects our Elders, past and present, and acknowledges that our office is on Kombumerri country within the lands of the Yugambeh language group.
