Honouring Irene: New support for First Nations students
In late 2022, Indigenous students interested in studying climate change and sustainability-related fields at The Australian National University (ANU) received a significant boost, thanks to the newly established Irene Lind Honours Scholarship.
David Ferguson created the scholarship in memory of his late wife Irene Lind, a dedicated ACT public school leader who, in the last decade of her career, led significant cultural change projects in Canberra schools to improve outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
His gift provides First Nations students with the opportunity to further their education through postgraduate study, removes financial barriers and supports their academic and field research.
While focused on environmental sustainability, this scholarship is open to Indigenous students from any discipline, including science, policy, law, economics, history, and geography.
The inaugural Irene Lind Honours Scholarship will be awarded in 2023. The support comprises two Honours scholarships of $15,000, awarded to Honours student each year, and a postgraduate support fund which will see $20,000 put toward postgraduate fieldwork by Indigenous students. The Tjabal Centre at ANU will manage the awards and help guide the students.
Through David's establishment of this scholarship, Irene's legacy will continue to make a lasting impact on the lives of Indigenous students - helping them to achieve their goals and make positive contributions to their communities and the world.
This story is featured in the 2022 Report to Donors
