Tex Garstone - Yalari

Empowering Tex's Dreams

Tex Garstone, a Bardi and Jaru man from Halls Creek, is not only a proud alumnus of Geelong Grammar School through the Yalari scholarship but also a passionate advocate for Indigenous mental health. His commitment to making a meaningful impact in his community is further exemplified by his involvement in the Dr Tracy Westerman Indigenous Psychology Scholarship Program.

After graduating from Geelong Grammar, Tex pursued higher education with a focus on addressing critical issues in Indigenous mental health. His academic journey led him to the prestigious Dr Tracy Westerman Indigenous Psychology Scholarship Program, an initiative that resonates deeply with his personal and professional aspirations. The scholarship program, launched by Dr. Westerman in response to the acute needs of Indigenous communities, particularly after the Fogliani Coronial Inquiry into the deaths of 13 Aboriginal children in the Kimberley, aims to train Indigenous psychologists in best practices.

Tex in his first year at Geelong Grammar School in 2013

This scholarship supports students like Tex by providing them with a stipend, mentoring, tutoring, and opportunities for networking, research, and placements. These resources are invaluable in equipping the next generation of Indigenous psychologists with the skills and knowledge required to effectively address the high rates of suicide and mental health issues in Indigenous communities.

Tex is currently studying psychology and is profoundly committed to contributing to this field. He is driven by a vision to increase the number of Indigenous psychologists who can offer culturally informed and empathetic care. His goal is to use his education and training to implement strategies within schools in remote areas, specifically within the Kimberley. By focusing on early childhood development and education, Tex aims to prevent the development of mental illness and improve educational outcomes, thereby closing the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

The impact of both scholarships on Tex’s professional path cannot be overstated. It has not only provided him with financial support but also fostered an environment where he can thrive academically and contribute to significant changes in mental health interventions within Indigenous populations.

Tex Garstone’s journey is a beacon of hope and change, illustrating the power of targeted educational support and community-focused initiatives. As he continues his studies and prepares for a future career as an Indigenous psychologist, Tex is poised to make a lasting impact on the lives of many, driven by his heritage, education, and the support of transformative programs like Dr. Westerman’s scholarship.