When Barbara and her husband began searching for a cause to support in their retirement, they wanted to find an organisation that aligned with their values—something meaningful, impactful, and lasting. In 2007, an article in the Sydney Morning Herald by Adam Spencer introduced them to Yalari. Adam’s reflections on the fundraising event he had emceed piqued Barbara’s interest, prompting her to reach out.
“After writing to Yalari to find out more information, I received a letter from Waverley Stanley explaining the formation of the Rosemary Bishop Indigenous Scholarship Fund,” Barbara recalls. “Mrs Bishop had been his teacher many years earlier and had arranged for him to sit an entrance exam at a Queensland boarding school.
Yalari students attending St Hilda’s School on the Gold Coast.
After being successfully granted a scholarship to Toowoomba Grammar School, Waverley flourished and gained opportunities that would never have been available otherwise.”
Inspired by this story, Barbara and her husband saw a chance to contribute to something truly transformative. They began donating to Yalari, gradually increasing their contributions over the years.
A Commitment to Change
For Barbara, the decision to continue supporting Yalari over the years was solidified by the people she met along the way. “I’ve been fortunate enough to meet Yalari’s Founders, Waverley and Llew, as well as long-term supporters and team members who have guided the expansion of Yalari’s vision,” she shares. “I firmly believe the future of Yalari is assured.”
It wasn’t just the mission of Yalari that resonated with Barbara—it was the visible impact. Seeing the success of students who had been given opportunities through the scholarship program reaffirmed her belief in the power of education. “Yalari is one avenue through which supporters can make a practical difference,” she says.
Yalari Founding Director with his year 7 teacher, Rosemary Bishop, at Waverley’s year 12 graduation.
Waverley Stanley at Toowoomba Grammar School.
Leaving a Legacy
Having supported Yalari for more than a decade, Barbara and her husband made the decision to leave a gift in their will—an enduring contribution to the future of Indigenous education. “We were in a position to happily do so,” she says simply. For them, it was a natural continuation of their belief in creating opportunities for First Nations students.
Barbara’s hope for her legacy is clear: “I hope it furthers respect and reconciliation with all First Nations people.” By supporting Yalari, she knows she is helping to provide life-changing education for generations to come.
Reflecting on the journey that led her to Yalari, Barbara is grateful for the moment she stumbled upon that newspaper article all those years ago. It set in motion a path of giving that has made a tangible difference in the lives of so many young people.
Through her generosity, Barbara ensures that her support for Yalari will extend far beyond her lifetime, creating a lasting impact on the lives of future generations of Indigenous Australians.
For more information on supporting Yalari, including leaving a gift in your will, please contact Lou Wilson at [email protected].
