“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, I love playing volleyball and trying new things as, even back then, I believed every new experience would add to my journey.
I wanted to apply for Yalari because I felt that my small community had limited opportunities for my growth and development. Every day, I am still eager to explore new horizons and believe that Yalari provides the reliable support I need to build my career.
Erika receiving the Best Senior Leader Award at the 2025 Orientation Camp.
What truly drew me to Yalari was its family-oriented nature, which resonates deeply as I cherish my family and cultural values, and Yalari does too.
I have a passion for marine photography and hope to explore that hobby further.
Currently, I attend The Glennie School, which has around 800 girls providing a supportive and vibrant community for my education. One achievement I am really proud of is making the first team for volleyball, two years ago, in grade 10. It pushed me to work hard, especially playing alongside older girls, and it helped me gain new perspectives on a lot of things.
Senior leader Erika with Yalari’s new year 7 students at the 2025 Orientation Camp.
Erika in 2020 during her first year on her Yalari scholarship at The Glennie School.
And this year, I am the boarding captain for 2025 which is something I am really excited about. I see it as a chance to start giving back to the community that supported me.
Having the privilege of going back to Orientation Camp this January as a Senior Leader was really exciting. I believe that throughout the camp, I created a space where the kids could see that it’s ok to step out of their comfort zone and encourage each other to be the best that they can be.
I’ve grown so much as a person during my time at Yalari and I strive to be a leader and someone that others can look up to. By the end of my schooling years with Yalari, I hope to be remembered as someone who made a positive impact as a leader and a friend that staff, family, friends and Yalari kids can turn to for support.”
