Scholarship recipients celebrated by Governor-General Ms Sam Mostyn AC

The Tertiary Scholarship Program supports young people who have grown up in out-of-home care to pursue university and TAFE studies, providing not only financial assistance but also encouragement and a strong support network as they build their futures. Since 2012, 39 scholarship recipients have graduated, with a further 54 currently studying across Australia.

There were 16 current students and graduates present – the largest group of scholarship recipients the Foundation has brought together since the program began. The celebratory afternoon tea at Admiralty House recognised their hard work and determination to pursue further study and their success in receiving a scholarship, and acknowledged the achievements of those who have graduated.

“What we’re celebrating today is sustained, dedicated commitment fuelled by a profound belief in the value and dignity of every single person,” said the Governor-General in her welcome speech. “Care that has quite literally changed lives and will continue to do so. We know that education is one of the most powerful pathways to stability and long-term flourishing.”

The Governor-General sat down for a Q&A with Program Development Manager Estelle Muller, and scholarship recipients Julia and Andre.

“I tell all of our students that it’s ok for the journey to have ups and downs. Life will throw certain things your way. We really try to walk alongside you in your journey of tertiary education,” said Estelle.

“The students have done incredibly well to get to the point where they are today, they’ve got all the qualities they need to get right to the end of their degree, they’ve already proved that – and we’re just here to help them in any way we possibly can.”

Julia is currently studying a Bachelor of Communication and is interested in a career in investigative journalism. She recently returned from a semester exchange at Cardiff University in Wales.

“The university has a really reputable journalism program, it’s located right next to the BBC and you get to work in collaboration with them,” said Julia. “It was the perfect opportunity to not only get to study in another country, learn about broader global perspectives of journalism and what it can do around the world but also to trace my family history and live where my ancestors are from.”

Andre has almost finished his Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and is already working in his chosen field. He previously spoke at Admiralty House in 2021 when he was a brand-new scholarship recipient, and a lot has changed for him since then.

“A lot happens in five years. I’ve been working tirelessly, I’ve just been learning so much every single day on the job,” he said.

“You need your basic things, your food, your water to live your life and then you get to the next stage up, and the tippy-top of that pyramid is confidence and self-esteem and that’s where I find myself now.”

Our heartfelt thanks go to the Governor-General for her generous support as Patron, and to our donors, partners, student support networks and wider community. Your belief in these remarkable young people is helping create brighter futures, one scholarship at a time.