Graduating University and Supporting the Next Generation

At Yalari, we encourage our scholars to appreciate and respect the gift of education that they have been given and to look beyond themselves and give something back. Tiah Vocale and Monique Mallyer are shining examples of putting this into action. Monique and Tiah have graduated from University and are using their education to support and encourage the future generation of Indigenous Australians.

Tiah Vocale

“I am a proud Gunai/Monaro woman from Melbourne, Vic. I graduated from The University of Melbourne with a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Anthropology/Indigenous studies in 2019. I was incredibly lucky to go on exchange and study overseas in Canada for six months at The University of British Columbia in 2017. An experience I will never forget.

After completing my bachelor’s I was lucky enough to gain employment two months after graduation securing a full-time role in tertiary education at The University of Western Sydney as a Student Support Officer. I have been working for almost two years in the role and am loving it as I get to yarn and support students on a daily basis and ensure my students are receiving academic and personal support where needed and most importantly ensuring a culturally safe space. My motivation is to continually encourage students to keep optimistic and know support is available whenever needed and that my door is always open.

Whether the first in the family or fifth to attend University, I will always be an advocate and do what I can to make studying easier and less stressful. I have been provided with amazing opportunities because of Yalari and I want to ensure my students and the next generation know of the incredible opportunities available.

There is so much potential for our people and I will continue to encourage and motivate the current and younger generation to keep pursuing their dreams and to never give up.”