Faraz tells us what she’s been up to since graduation:

“Halfway through my degree something just sparked in me and I found more purpose and that was reflected in all my marks, I was getting distinctions and high distinctions. I was in my natural state, doing something I loved and putting the effort in. I’m really, really happy with all my results.

Graduation was so strange because it’s something that I never thought would happen. I never thought I would ever be able to choose to study. When I wore my gown I felt very powerful. Getting my transcript is when it actually felt real, it was like all the setbacks and hard times were worth it, it was a full circle moment. It hit me – I have a Bachelor’s degree now, this is awesome!”

Embarking on her career

“After graduation I worked at Bunya Productions doing a bit of everything, mainly admin, helping on shoots, and event management.

Scholarship recipient Faraz graduates
Faraz with fellow scholarship recipient Andre, and Tertiary Scholarship Program Manager Estelle.

Next I did a three-month development internship with Fremantle as part of the AFTRS graduate program. They get a lot of pitches from people who want to make projects, I got to see what they were getting told about, see the process of elimination and what they pick up and what they look for. I’d have to write a review of any books or manuscripts that were sent in, discussing their marketability, to see whether we’d invest or not.

Every week I was with different people in different departments. I got to be in the writers’ room, where writers discuss the script and how to make it better, brainstorming, plotting the story; I got to observe everything. It was good experience to see what happens in a high-end production company.

Through Fremantle I met a producer who offered me a contract job to help with casting the new Australian Idol reboot. I started as soon as I finished my internship.

Right now I’m freelancing. I’ve been helping out with music videos, doing extras work, helping out on the Heartbreak High premiere as a production assistant, event stage managing. The great thing about this industry is that you can do whatever you want, there are so many different jobs, it’s so exciting. Through my degree I’ve gotten a lot of contacts and our AFTRS alumni network is also really good – there are a lot of opportunities.”

Scholarship recipient Faraz graduates
Faraz with her friend Tanzia at the Foundation’s 20th Anniversary Celebration in 2020.

Future projects

“I’m working on something really exciting, a memoir on the theme of emergence for the SBS writer’s competition. I’m writing a piece on my journey, where I came from and where I am right now. I’m not focused on whether I win or not, it’s more for healing.

I told my mentor – Greer, who works at Bunya Productions – about my story and she really loved it, she said she’d love to get me some money and finance it. That’s a longer-term goal, to make something about women in forced marriages and what it does to their lives. There’s not much content on it in Australia unless it’s a documentary – I think fictionalising it would be good as long as the writers know the subject matter.

At the moment I’m waiting to hear about a traineeship to do costume work on a new feature film by Universal. I have a very good feeling I might get it.”

Congratulations from our Patron

Our Patron, His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd), Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, met Faraz in early 2021. He offered the following message of support:

Scholarship recipient Faraz graduates
Faraz with Governor-General David Hurley and Mrs Linda Hurley.

“Linda and I were delighted to learn that Faraz has recently graduated. We have met Faraz and join all involved in congratulating her on this outstanding achievement.

Faraz’s success highlights how the work of the Foundation and its partners can make a positive difference to the lives of vulnerable people. Her story is inspiring and an example of the transformative power of education and the potential that exists in our young people.

I thank once again the Sisters of Charity Foundation and its partners and supporters for helping build a more compassionate and inclusive community.”

About the Tertiary Scholarship Program for students with an out-of-home care background

Out-of-home care is a statutory care arrangement for children under 18 who can’t live safely at home with their birth families due to chronic child abuse or neglect.

The state government becomes their legal guardian and places the child with an alternate caregiver: a foster carer, relative, or someone in their social network. They might also live in a group home under the care of paid staff, or independently in a private rental situation.

Only an estimated 1% of young adults from out-of-home care backgrounds are able to attend university, compared to around 40% of young adults in the general population.

The Sisters of Charity Foundation Tertiary Scholarship Program provides financial support so recipients can afford university or TAFE study expenses (course fees; textbooks; technology; and attending workshops, networking events and internships) as well as the cost of living on their own with no parental support. The scholarship lets them focus on their studies, rather than having to hold down multiple jobs to survive.

Main photo: Faraz thanks Foundation supporters for her scholarship at an event hosted by our Patron.

How We Help

Each year we’re able to make a difference to thousands of people across the country with funds generously donated by compassionate Australians. We support initiatives that focus on benefiting the disadvantaged, marginalised and socially isolated people in our community.

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