Gillian Johnson first met Yalari’s Founding Directors Waverley Stanley AM and Llew Mullins in 2008, while on the lookout for funding opportunities for the Indigenous Scholarship Program she founded at Perth’s Scotch College. “Waverley inspired me from the start,” says Gillian. “Of course, behind every great man there is also a great woman. Waverley calls Llew his queen and the crown fits perfectly. Llew is simply amazing.”
Yalari and Scotch went on to establish a partnership in 2009, and for the next three years Gillian attended workshops to learn as much as she could about Indigenous programs, and how to grow supportive programs within schools. “I met Principals & Indigenous Student Support Officers from across Australia, all working towards the same goal, and it made me realise what a special community I had joined.”
Gillian remained an active supporter of Yalari long after she left Scotch, going on to Chair two successful fundraising dinners in 2018 and 2019. When border restrictions prevented Waverley and Llew from entering Western Australia during the pandemic, Gillian stepped in as their representative, flying to the Pilbara and Kimberley to interview potential scholarship applicants.
In celebration of National Volunteer Week from the 19th to the 25th of May, 2025.
In 2024 Gillian and her husband, Stewart, joined Yalari’s Outback Camp in the Northern Territory, travelling from Alice Springs to Uluru alongside alumni and other supporters. “What a privilege it was to be on country with these inspiring young alumni, all pursuing different paths since graduating from Year 12,” says Gillian. “Sitting around the campfire and hearing their stories about the impact the program has had on their lives touched us in ways we will never forget.”
Gillian has also played a key role in establishing and growing Yalari’s Regional Council in Western Australia. She now works alongside six other dedicated volunteers to strengthen Yalari’s network, and build lasting support for our students and community in the west. Gillian and Stewart have also proudly sponsored two students; one who graduated Year 12 three years ago, and another who is currently studying at Great Southern Grammar.
“I believe wholeheartedly in Yalari, and have seen time and again what a difference the program is making in so many Indigenous students’ lives,” says Gillian. “Yalari has changed my life too! The organisation has become an extension of my own family, and I will continue to support it for as long as I can, with hope that it can keep inspiring others to walk hand-in-hand with our First Nations people for a long time to come.”
Follow the link below to learn more about volunteering with Yalari:
