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Educational achievements of young Indigenous leaders recognised

10 December 2018

The educational achievements of 56 of Australia’s future Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders were celebrated on the weekend at The Smith Family’s (IYLP) Indigenous Youth Leadership Program graduation ceremony held in Darwin.

The IYLP gives Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people the opportunity to complete their education at some of the country’s most high-achieving secondary schools.

Many IYLP students come from areas in remote and regional Australia, including Tennant Creek, Galiwinku, Daly River, Tiwi, Jabiru, Broome and Halls Creek.

The Smith Family CEO Dr Lisa O’Brien said the program makes an important contribution towards closing the gap in Year 12 attainment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

National data shows that Year 12 or equivalent attainment for Indigenous 20- to 24-year-olds increased to 65 per cent in 2016 – compared with 89 per cent for all non-Aboriginal students.1

“Students who apply for an IYLP scholarship are often from a community where educational opportunities are limited. Having the chance to broaden their horizons can open up a world of possibilities,” Dr O’Brien said.

“With the support of our partner schools, students can study a wide range of subjects, learn about different career pathways and realise their aspirations for the future. Many of these students inspire other young people back in their community too, so there’s a positive ripple effect.

“I congratulate all of the students on the program this year for their successful graduation from high school, and I wish them every success for their future.”

Shonica Talal from Yirrkala in the Northern Territory delivered the graduating speech on behalf of the students. Ms Talal boarded at St Scholastica's College in Sydney and said the program had built her confidence and expanded her options.

“I’m gaining amazing opportunities which, if I was at home, I wouldn’t be able to participate in – and meeting new people and making friends has been great,” Ms Talal said.

“As far as my HSC work goes, the thing of which I am most proud is my major work for Aboriginal Studies. I decided to produce a children’s book called ‘Animals of Arnhem Land’. I did 15 paintings of animals from home, after consulting with family and other community members, as well as collecting stories associated with each animal. I also used some Yolngu Matha language throughout the book.”

Ms Talal said she is joining the Military Police in the Australian Defence Force in 2019.

Facilitated by national children’s education charity The Smith Family, the IYLP is funded by the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet’s Indigenous Advancement Strategy. The IYLP works with 19 education partners across the Northern Territory, South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales.

The Smith Family’s work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students:

  • As Australia’s largest children’s education charity, The Smith Family is committed to working collaboratively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and their families to help close the gap in educational outcomes.
  • More than 19,000 children and young people from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander backgrounds participate in learning and mentoring programs run by The Smith Family, such as the Learning for Life sponsorship program, the Indigenous Youth Leadership Program and Girls at the Centre.
  • The Smith Family’s 2017-20 Reconciliation Action Plan signals our organisation’s continued public commitment to the reconciliation process. Our vision for reconciliation is a nation where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children fully benefit from the education and learning opportunities that this nation has to offer and are truly valued as the First Peoples of Australia through a deep respect and understanding by the broader Australian community.

Media Enquiries: Louise Merrillees, Media Advisor | 0422 018 522 | louise.merrilles@thesmithfamily.com.au

1 Commonwealth of Australia, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Closing the Gap Prime Minister’s Report 2018.