Case studies

The Ghan Assistance Program – Bridging the gap

Launch Pad Beneficiary

A Sunday homework mentoring program in the western suburbs of Sydney has become the talk and pride of the local Afghan community. Initially designed to help young people reconnect with their school, community and families, the Ghan Assistance Program (GAP) has built generational bridges as well as self esteem.

Positive word of mouth has resulted in new relationships being built between parents, students and community members. GAP mentors are now seen as a valuable community resource for parents.

“Without FYA this project would never have happened and we would not have had such a significant impact in our community. The support from FYA enabled us to focus and see where we were needed most and where we could have the highest impact”.

Tamana Daqiq,
GAP Community Liaison Officer and Administrator

Ashley Walker

Robert Riley Scholarship Recipient

Growing up, Ashley Walker was surrounded by a loving and hard working family that provided him with a strong sense of community, social justice and the value of hard work.  A life-long member of the La Perouse Aboriginal community, his grandfather set up the Ngura Aboriginal Corporation for Homeless and Rehabilitation Services, working with incarcerated indigenous men and their families.

Ashley’s dad, Lloyd Walker was a successful, professional rugby player becoming the fifth indigenous player to represent Australia playing for the Wallabies in 1989. Ashley has seen first-hand how positive role models can make a huge difference to someone’s life. “People have worked really hard to create opportunities for our generation. I want to become a positive role model for indigenous young people as I see that role models can contribute to the establishment of a culture of excellence and achievement within indigenous communities throughout Australia,” Ashley said.

In his third year of a Commerce/Law degree at the University of New South Wales, Sydney, Ashley said the underrepresentation of indigenous lawyers in the commercial world has spurred him on to work in that area. “Most of the indigenous lawyers I have met have been involved in criminal law. I am really keen to work in commercial law as I believe that Aborigines need to be represented in all areas of society in order to achieve empowerment. And I really want to use the skills I acquire in this area to aid the local community in La Perouse”, Ashley said.

Receiving the Robert Riley Scholarship has enabled Ashley to “really knuckle down” with his studies and cut down on his part-time work. He can also continue to supervise the Nuri Gili Winter School run at the university in July for indigenous students from Years 10 – 12 from across Australia.

“This program is great fun as these kids have so much potential and it is my job to try and convince them to use it! Some of these kids come from really remote places like the tip of Queensland and many didn’t know that university was an option for them. I am trying to show them just how good they can be”, Ashley said.

Daniel Conifer

Robert Riley Scholarship Recipient

It’s hard to believe Daniel Conifer is only 18 years old when you look at what he has already achieved. Besides his impressive list of academic awards, he helps out at the Redfern Gadigal Information Service, produces and presents a sports show on Sydney’s indigenous radio station, Koori radio (work that won him the Koori Radio Volunteer Broadcaster of the Year – all while he was studying for his HSC), sat on the Liverpool Youth Council, organised activities for international charities at high school and was a member of the NSW state softball squad.

Currently studying for a double degree in Communications (Journalism) and Laws at the University of Technology in Sydney, Daniel wants to become a strong role model for indigenous young people. “I saw combining media and law as a perfect way to make a difference. Law also opens up many pathways in life. I have been lucky enough to have been given many opportunities when I was growing up. I really want to be in a position where I can help other indigenous young kids whether through work in the media or law. I want to make sure there are opportunities out there for them. I want to help the next generation get a solid footing in society so they can go forward and prosper,” Daniel said.

Receiving the scholarship, Daniel said, is a terrific honour and will assist him greatly with his studies. “I was aware of the history of the scholarship as mum had told me about Robert Riley and the work he did improving things for indigenous people. The money will make a big difference to me – I will be able to buy a lap top and text books and concentrate on my study instead of panicking about other things! FYA is doing a great job in supporting young people in making their dreams come true!” Daniel added.

Merinda Dutton

Robert Riley Scholarship Recipient

Merinda Dutton’s first year of her arts/law degree at University of NSW in Sydney was really tough. Having to adjust to city life after moving from rural Grafton was hard enough before the financial pressures of daily life as a student hit hard.

“Uni has been such a financial burden on me – I don’t have a laptop and text books are so expensive. Living away from home has been such a massive adjustment for me especially as the cost of living in Sydney is so high. I have no support and have been working four days a week just to live,” Merinda said. But life has just become much easier for Merinda after being awarded a Robert Riley Memorial Scholarship for 2009.

“I was so stoked when FYA rang me to tell me I got the scholarship. Winning this scholarship has made such a difference to my life -I will have less stress and not spend so much time worrying about when the next lot of bills are coming”, Merinda added. Merinda’s priority is to buy a laptop. Studying without one last year meant that she spent many nights in the university library accessing their computers and sometimes whole days at the on-campus Indigenous Student Centre completing her assignments. With many components of learning now being electronic, juggling her study time and part-time work commitments will be less stressful.

One of six children, Merinda hopes to contribute as much as she can to her community when she finishes her law degree. “I would love to practice law in a small community legal centre. I would really like to experience different areas of law and eventually be admitted to the bar after having experience in the community. The work of the public defenders office is really appealing too,” Merinda said.