Aurora Education Foundation

Meet Liam White, a proud Kuku Yalanji man from Far North Queensland and a qualified dentist now studying Prosthodontics at The University of Queensland with the support of Aurora’s First Nations Cancer Scholarship. Having seen firsthand the challenges of accessing care in regional communities, Liam was driven to deepen his work in a field that supports oral cancer rehabilitation. His goal is to return to regional and rural communities as a specialist, helping improve access to care and supporting better outcomes for mob. We’re proud to support Liam on this journey and look forward to seeing the impact he will make in this field.

For Wiradjuri man Ethan Hawke, education has become more than a personal journey - it’s given him the opportunity to support others coming behind him. Ethan first joined Aurora through our High School Program. Today, he is studying a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering at UNSW, becoming the first in his family to attend university, and has returned as an Aurora Mentor. Now, he’s helping guide the next generation of Indigenous students as they navigate their own pathways. This is the impact your donation can have. Students step into opportunities, thrive in their education and go on to create change by giving back to their communities. As we approach the end of the financial year, join us in supporting Indigenous students to pursue their goals and unlock opportunity. Donate to Aurora today: https://lnkd.in/g2dQdszj

The theme for National Reconciliation Week 2026, All In, is a reminder that reconciliation requires all of us. It calls on every Australian to commit to meaningful action in advancing reconciliation and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples each and every day. Real progress happens when we are all willing to step forward, listen, learn and take action together. To learn more about how you can get involved and events near you, visit: www.reconciliation.org.au

Today, on National Sorry Day, we honour Stolen Generations survivors and acknowledge the enduring impact of the forced removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families and communities. This day marks an important moment to confront the truths of our shared history and the lasting impact of these policies, which continue to affect generations today. We honour the strength of Stolen Generations survivors and recognise the work of individuals and communities who have carried healing forward. For support and resources on healing from intergenerational trauma, visit The Healing Foundation. HealingFoundation.org.au

Meet Gabrielle (Elle) Webster, Aurora’s Symposium and Study Tour Facilitator. From supporting students through their Study Tour applications to preparing them for international study, Elle helps guide students through the journey of studying and living overseas. Swipe through to get to know her a little more ➡️

Studying overseas can feel like a big leap, but there are opportunities and support systems that can help make it more accessible than you might think. At Aurora, our International Study Tour and Symposium give Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students the opportunity to explore global study pathways, connect with leading institutions and gain insight into what studying internationally can look like. Beyond the Study Tour, there are also scholarship opportunities that can support overseas learning. Many Aurora Study Tour scholars have gone on to study at institutions including Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard and New York University, to name a few. From the application process to the experience itself, our team is here to support you before, during and after the program - helping answer questions and guide you through the journey. Applications for our International Study Tours and Scholarships open at different points during the year. Head to our website and sign up to our newsletter to be the first to know when these programs open. https://lnkd.in/gATDccsE

Led by our CEO, Leila Smith, Aurora is supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to access opportunities that open doors to education, leadership and future careers, driven by their ambition, talent and determination. As we approach the end of the financial year, join us in supporting Indigenous students to pursue their goals and unlock opportunity. Donate to Aurora today at https://lnkd.in/g2dQdszj #IndigenousLeadership #EOFY #DonateToday #IndigenousEducation #AuroraEducationFoundation

Three of our USA-based Aurora Education Foundation Roberta Sykes Scholars recently came together in Boston for the first USA Scholar Retreat. 2024 Scholar Danielle Kampers (studying at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California in San Diego) joined 2025 Scholars Eloise Bentley and Kishaya Delaney (both studying at Harvard University in Boston) for a weekend of connection, reflection and a chance to recharge. From exploring the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum to sharing their experiences of studying overseas, the retreat created space to connect with others who understand the unique journey of being far from home while pursuing study abroad. At Aurora, we’re committed to fostering meaningful networks of support for our scholars, and it’s incredible to see those connections extend across the globe.

Meet FNCS recipient, Halijah Brewster, a proud Djugun woman who has family ties to Broome, was raised in the Northern Territory and is now based in Brisbane. With an interest in health from a young age, Halijah completed a Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy at The University of Sydney, before going on to undertake a Master of Applied Epidemiology at the Australian National University and a Graduate Diploma in Public Health through Charles Darwin University. Driven by a passion for health equity, she is now undertaking a PhD at the University of Queensland, focusing on the psychosocial aspects of breast cancer among First Nations women. Through the First Nations Cancer Scholarship, Halijah is continuing to grow her research, connect with leading experts, and contribute to work that will have lasting impact. Congratulations, Halijah. We look forward to seeing how your work will shape stronger outcomes in cancer care.

Applying for a scholarship doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. At Aurora, we’re here to make the process clearer and easier - with tips to help your application stand out. The Aurora Indigenous Pathways Portal contains resources to support you at every step, from FAQs to guidance and access to a wide range of scholarships for Indigenous university students. Explore the Portal via the link below, and sign up to our e-newsletter to stay up to date with the latest opportunities. https://lnkd.in/gp64yxaD