Six years ago, in 2018, twenty-five children from remote and regional communities around Australia took a bold leap to apply for Yalari’s Rosemary Bishop Indigenous Education Scholarship. They welcomed Yalari staff into their homes for an initial interview, to discuss the enormous opportunity that lay ahead. When we met these young people, we saw children who, if given the right opportunities, were destined to become leaders.
Fast forward six years and that vision has become a reality.
Meet Yalari’s Class of 2024: twenty-five remarkable young adults who are each embracing their unique gifts, stepping toward their passion and embarking on their next chapter. They have each pursued new opportunities and have all demonstrated commitment and tenacity to their education. Now that these students have graduated, they will become part of our close-knit alumni community, who are driving generational change in their home communities and beyond.
Some have chosen to continue their studies; others have chosen to return to their hometowns or enter straight into the workforce. Wherever their path takes them next, each student will build on the remarkable foundation they have established through their boarding school experience. We are beaming with pride and eagerly awaiting the profound impact these young leaders are destined to make.
Meet the Class of 2024
Kailani Bartlett
After graduating from Kambala School in Sydney, Kailani hopes to pursue further education through a Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Sydney or a Bachelor of Business at the University of Technology Sydney.
“Through both Kambala and Yalari I have been fortunate to make lifelong connections. While I am truly grateful for the education I have received, I think the best thing to come out of the past six years is the connections I have made.”
Kyesha Barton
From St Hilda’s School in the Gold Coast, Kyesha’s next step will be seeking a career in the fashion industry. She has plans to study at the Whitehouse Institute of Design in Melbourne.
“Without being a part of Yalari, I would be stuck on what I’m going to do after school. I am forever grateful for my time on Yalari – it’s provided me with a steady pathway after graduation and it’s the best opportunity I’ve been given.”
Harmony Bellotti
Once Harmony has graduated from Methodist Ladies’ College in Western Australia, she hopes to begin studies at TAFE in the hospitality and tourism space.
“The education I received through Yalari has been invaluable, and I am committed to using it to make a meaningful contribution to my community.”
Mistique Beresford
Once graduated from Clayfield College in Brisbane, Mistique will spend some time back home in Eulo, Southwest Queensland before returning to Brisbane to begin her studies to become a Primary School Educator.
“The journey from year 7 to 12 has changed me personally, academically and showed me how to be resilient. Boarding school has taught me to become more self-sufficient – being away from home I have learnt to manage my time, handle responsibilities and make decisions independently.”
Faith Bin Omar
Faith will graduate Year 12 from Great Southern Grammar School in Western Australia and move to Perth. She plans to travel to the Pilbara region to work while doing part-time TAFE study.
“One thing I knew when I started boarding school, was that I wanted to be the change. Be the change in Indigenous stereotypes, be the change in my small town, be the change in Indigenous education. I have a passion to change Australia.”
Steven Blanasi
After graduating from John Paul College, Steven plans to work in the mines in the Northern Territory.
“I have created new friendships within the school and the Yalari family. I am very grateful to have this opportunity to make my family proud and make something of myself.”
Todd Brain
Once graduated from Anglican Church Grammar School, Todd will commence an apprenticeship in carpentry.
“As I near the end of my journey with Yalari, my education at Churchie has set me up for the future. My plan is to work in construction and eventually manage my own building company.”
Annette Carter
After graduating from Methodist Ladies’ College, Annette plans to work for six months before entering university in Perth to study either social work or psychology, as she is passionate about working with people and providing help to the community.
“Over the years, I’ve learnt so much about myself – discovering strengths and resilience I didn’t know I had. The friendships and connections I’ve made have greatly enriched my experience and helped me through the tough times while being away from home for so long.”
Sophia Darney
Sophia will be heading straight to university after she graduates from Abbotsleigh, living at St Andrew’s College at the University of Sydney. Sophia hopes to study Commerce/Law.
“From an 11-year-old starting in Year 7 in 2019 at Abbotsleigh – I have developed into the person I have always dreamed to be – a strong educated young Indigenous girl.”
Blake Dwyer
Graduating from Kinross Wolaroi, Blake will take a gap year then plans to study a Bachelor of Business in Sports Management at the International College of Management in Sydney.
“Yalari has been a significant part of my life, and I have enjoyed being part of a program that values education and cultural pride. It has given me a strong foundation, not only in my studies but in understanding who I am and where I come from.”
Hayley Green
Hayley’s dream is to pursue a career in acting once she graduates from Kambala. She is considering a Diploma in Aboriginal Performance at the Western Australia Academy of Performing Arts or a Bachelor of Musical Theatre at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.
“My passion for the arts never would have developed if I wasn’t given the opportunity on Yalari, for which I am forever grateful. My dreams to pursue acting next year are becoming more and more of a reality every day.”
Leewana Harrison
Leewana is hoping to obtain an apprenticeship as an Electrician once she graduates from St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School.
“Having the support of my family, sponsors and Yalari, helped me through my time at school. I enjoyed being a senior leader at the Yalari Orientation Camp at the start of the year, and all the opportunities I received this year.”
Charli Jones
Graduating from St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School, Charli plans to go to University in either Brisbane or Sydney next year to study a Double Bachelor of Law and Psychology.
“Being on Yalari has been an incredible journey. I have grown so much and have had so many opportunities to discover my passions, learn not only about myself but the people around me. I have stepped out of my comfort zone and achieved things I never thought were possible.”
Dulcie Loban
After graduating from St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School, Dulcie will return home to the Torres Strait to work for her family business.
“Something I’ve enjoyed about Yalari was being a part of the Year 7 and 8 camp as a Senior Leader. Highlights from my final year at school include making it into state champion for rugby league.”
Wayahpo Manolis
After graduating Great Southern Grammar, Wayahpo will study Social Work at RMIT in Melbourne.
“I don’t think I could have achieved my goals without the support of Yalari and my friends and family. But also, through all the sponsors involved.”
Nevaeh Mills
Graduating from Clayfield College, Nevaeh’s goal is to secure a position in either Medical Imaging or Biomedical Sciences, driven by a passion to give back to the community.
“The annual Yalari camps were my favourite times of the year as it allowed me to foster friendships and create lasting bonds.”
Chloe Nicholls
Chloe will be studying a Bachelor of Primary Education in Newcastle after graduating from Abbotsleigh. She plans to eventually teach dancing – combining her passions of dance and teaching together.
“Yalari has provided me with a massive second family that I know will forever support me. I have learnt a lot about myself whilst on Yalari, but the one thing that I will carry with me through life, is the lesson I learnt on day one of the 2019 Orientation Camp – to be proud of who I am.”
Sofia Nona (Wini)
Valedictorian Wini will be returning home to spend time with her family in Cairns once she graduates year 12 from St Margeret’s Anglican Girls School. She then intends to embark on further education to pursue a career in Nursing.
“The journey from Badu to Brisbane, and my time at St Margaret’s, has taught me that no dream is too big and no challenge insurmountable. It has shown me that with hard work, perseverance, and the support of our community, we can achieve great things.”
Jorgi Owers
As Vice Boarding Captain at Scots PGC Warwick, Jorgi is inspired to become a Primary School Teacher, having worked with some of the younger boarders at her school.
“Yalari feels like a second family and I always felt supported during my high school journey. Being homesick was definitely a struggle but I stayed focused on the end goal to graduate with not only an education, but also lots of new friends to go through life with.”
Caidence Purcell
Caidence will be applying for a full-time traineeship in hospitality once she graduates from St Hilda’s.
“During my time at boarding school I learnt that I am capable of pushing through hardships, with the help from my friends and Student Support Officer. When faced with home sickness, I became resilient and overcame it.”
Charlie Ritchie
Charlie intends to continue her education through a Certificate II in Hospitality and Certificate IV in Business during her gap year, once she graduates from Great Southern Grammar School in Western Australia.
“Yalari has provided me with not just an education, but a sense of belonging and empowerment. Through the use of Yalari’s CORRIE values, I have grown into a resilient and independent person.”
Halle Rooney
Halle will be going onto study Nursing at University in either Newcastle, Coffs Harbour or Armidale once she graduates from Scots PGC Warwick.
“I have cherished the friendships and connections I’ve made through school and Yalari. The sense of community and fellowship among my peers has been a highlight of my time at school. These relationships will remain a significant part of my life as I move forward.”
Yarron See
Yarron is currently exploring his opportunities for when he graduates from Geelong Grammar School. He is looking at working with young people or entering into a trade.
“I have had endless opportunities and made lifelong connections while at GGS. The biggest lesson I have learnt from my time at GGS is the array of options there are if you make yourself available and are willing to work for them.”
Chris Swan
Once graduated from Year 12 at St Ignatius’ College Riverview, Chris intends to study Radiography at the University of Sydney in the hope of working in an ultrasound clinic in Sydney.
“I have had so many great opportunities and life lessons through my schooling journey. I have made lifelong friends that have helped and supported me over the years.”
Chantay Turner
After graduating from St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School, Chantay aims to attend the Queensland Police Academy in Townsville, with the hope of eventually returning home to Thursday Island to enter the Police Force in her community.
“My favourite highlight from Yalari would be the Year 9 Outback Camp in Alice Springs because it was an amazing experience to learn more about the Aboriginal culture and the significance of Uluru.”
