Kambri Scholars empowering Indigenous futures

12 May 2023

When Indigenous students are supported to achieve, it enriches their lives, their communities and the nation. This is why the Kambri Scholars Program - co-created with the Tjabal Indigenous Higher Education Centre (Tjabal Centre) and Indigenous leaders at The Australian National University (ANU) - is so important to Australia's future.

Donors who contribute to the Kambri Scholars Program are helping to ensure Indigenous students get the most out of ANU by providing them with tailored and holistic support, from education and enrichment programs to life-changing financial, academic and pastoral assistance.

In 2022, the Kambri Scholars included 18-year-old Yolngu woman Faith Stevens, from Galiwin'ku/Elcho Island off the coast of Arnhem Land. Faith's goal after graduation is to work in education reform, with a particular focus on the curriculum taught in Indigenous communities.

"Having a scholarship has changed my life," says Faith. "It's allowed me to come down here to try and do better, for me and my community, and for other Indigenous communities too."

With the help of the ANU donor community, more students like Faith are realising their potential through a first-rate education.

In September 2022, the McCall MacBain Foundation confirmed a $750,000 donation to the Kambri Scholars Program.

The first Kambri Scholar being supported by this donation is Luritja Warumungu man Jye Hopkins, from the Central Desert Region in the Northern Territory, who is studying law at ANU.

"I aim to be a criminal defence lawyer working for Aboriginal Legal Aid, in order to give back to my community using the opportunities that have been afforded to me by the scholarship," says Jye.

Aunty Anne Martin AM is Professor in the Practice of Indigenous Advancement and Director of the Tjabal Centre. She has played a key role in mentoring and supporting the Kambri Scholars and has guided the program since its inception.

"It is donor support that makes the Kambri Scholars Program possible, so from all of us to all of you, our deep respect and thanks for believing in their future," says Aunty Anne. "I have no doubt that many of these scholars will be tomorrow's leaders."

Thanks to donors, and with the University matching their gifts dollar for dollar, 40 life-changing scholarships have been awarded since the Program's inception. The program's goal is to establish a $50 million endowment to support a new cohort of Kambri Scholars each year, in perpetuity.