Announcements

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.

Since 2008, more than 30 Yalari students have called Churchie home. Six endowed scholarships will help ensure future students can do the same.

The investment will strengthen a dedicated Alumni Support Team to support more than 630 alumni through early adulthood.

We’re reflecting on how far a simple idea has travelled. What began as a vision for 250 scholarships will see us surpass 900 in 2026.

Proud Bundjalung woman Jenni Walke has made history by establishing one of Australia’s first Indigenous-led endowed scholarships.