Will's story: Guided by family, driven by purpose
“You don’t know me yet, but I know you well. I’m you, eighteen years on.”—Will Munro, in a letter to his younger self
At 13, Will Munro was living between Moree and Boggabilla in north-west New South Wales – strong family, deep culture, close community – when an English teacher at his school in Toowoomba encouraged him to apply for a Yalari scholarship. A few weeks later, Yalari Founder Waverley Stanley arrived in person to explain what accepting it would mean: leaving regional Australia behind for Churchie, a boarding school in Brisbane. In 2008, Will joined one of Yalari’s early scholarship intakes and began at Churchie.
The move from regional New South Wales to Brisbane brought challenges. As one of the youngest students at the school, he experienced homesickness and the challenge of adjusting to a new city, new school and life away from family.
“I still remember the first phone call home to Mum, Dad, Nan Pam and Pop Cad. You were terrified. That’s okay. That’s part of life”—from the letter Will would go on to write to his younger self, eighteen years later.”
Will at Yalari’s 2009 Outback Camp on Arrernte Country
Will (pictured third from right) at Storytelling: Speaking with Purpose program with Jenni Walke
Finding a family away from family
What helped him persevere was the support around him. At Churchie, that support came through boarding staff, teachers, tutors, counsellors and school leaders. Conversations, academic guidance, and encouragement helped him build confidence and find his place within the school community.
Equally important was the support provided through Yalari.
Will says, “The connections provided by Yalari felt very familiar, similar to a family structure.”
Looking back on Waverley’s first visit and the scholarship offer that followed, Will still remembers the scale of it.
“I was gobsmacked,” he recalls. “The opportunities that were open to me were incredible.”
Throughout his time at Churchie, staying connected to family, culture and Country remained deeply important. Regular phone calls home and visits during school holidays helped him maintain a strong sense of identity while embracing new opportunities through education.
A turning point
In Year 10, conversations with his paternal grandmother during her illness encouraged him to think about the kind of man he wanted to become and the contribution he could make to his family and community.
“We both know you were meant for more than Moree or Boggabilla could offer you at 13… You have what it takes. You can be more than your last name. Just keep going.”–from the letter.
Coming home to community
After graduating from Churchie, Will returned to Boggabilla and worked at the local Aboriginal Medical Service, reconnecting with community and gaining valuable experience. Encouraged by Elders and family members, he later pursued university studies.
Today, he works at Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service (ATSILS), supporting clients and families through administration and community services while continuing his studies in the evenings.
Looking back, Will can clearly see the impact that Yalari, Churchie and his family had on shaping his future. The homesick Year 7 student who once questioned whether he belonged is now a university student, community member and role model for younger generations following a similar path.
A letter to his younger self
When asked what he would say to that young boy arriving at Churchie for the first time, Will’s response became a letter to his younger self.
Dear William,
You don’t know me yet, but I know you well. I’m you, eighteen years on.
Right now you’re midway through third term, first year at Churchie, a few weeks off turning 14. New city, new school, new people, new subjects. Nothing is familiar. I still remember the first phone call home to Mum, Dad, Nan Pam and Pop Cad. You were terrified. That’s okay. That’s part of life.
Over time you’ll learn what it means to be an Aboriginal man in this country, and what you’re really representing for Yalari and for the country: change. Real change, the kind that affects generations. Those thoughts will cloud your head sometimes. You’ll feel like it’s too much. That you need to go home to Mum. That being on Country will cure it all.
But here’s the thing. We both know you were meant for more than Moree or Boggabilla could offer you at 13. That school will give you every opportunity to go beyond, and all you need to do is listen to it and put in the work. You have what it takes. You can be more than your last name. Just keep going.
I am so proud of you for making it this far, despite what you’ve come from.
You are loved, you are capable, and most of all you are enough.
Go get ’em.
Yours faithfully,
William Munro
For Will, the opportunities provided through Yalari and Churchie were not about leaving community behind. They were about building the knowledge, confidence, and connections needed to return, contribute, and help create opportunities for the next generation. Will is one of more than 630 Yalari alumni now leading in their professions and communities. They form one of the largest networks of Indigenous leaders in the country. Your support provides a pathway that continues beyond school, led by a connected alumni community.
Create opportunities for the next generation of leaders.
Read more impact stories
