"Football has given me some wonderful opportunities, a strong sense of achievement and an understanding that role models can make a difference to people's lives. I believe Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander kids need a range of role models – some in sport but also other careers.”
Brownlow Medallist, premiership player, five-time All-Australian, Port Power best and fairest and first Aboriginal Australian AFL Life Member, Gavin Wanganeen was a brilliant AFL player who is genuinely admired by all who love the game.
More than that, Gavin has become a role model for Aboriginal youth, something he takes very seriously. That is why he lent his patronage and encouragement to a scholarship set up by the University of South Australia to help Aboriginal Australian students achieve their higher education goals.
The Gavin Wanganeen Aboriginal Scholarship was established in 2005 with the simple goal of supporting disadvantaged Aboriginal Australian students undertaking a university degree, particularly those with a strong desire to succeed and give back to their community. Over 60 students have been awarded the Scholarship thanks to the support of generous donors.
“When I see the impact – Aboriginal students taking hold of their future and achieving their goals – I feel so proud, and I am truly moved by the generosity of people who have backed this project.” - Gavin Wanganeen
The term, 'Aboriginal' refers to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, collectively
The Scholarship meant I could use my time to gain work experience in legal environments.
Manager
PwC
I so appreciated the financial support. It gave me security. Without it I could not have studied full time or provided for my daughter.
Sonographer
Benson Radiology
The Scholarship provided stability and security during a difficult and isolating time.
Indigenous Student Tutor
UNSW & University of Newcastle
I do not take this generosity for granted and intend to pay it forward in the future.
Artist and Tutor
Flinders University
On behalf of everyone who has benefitted from the Scholarship, we are so, so grateful for your support; it makes such a difference.
Managing Director
Enlightened Living Co
It was hard studying, raising a family, and working part-time. The Scholarship really reduced the burden.
Senior Project Officer, Aboriginal Practice Directorate | Department of Child Protection
This Scholarship meant a lot to me. It was an acknowledgement of the effort I have put into my studies and it gave me a great sense of achievement.
Manager Offender Development, Mobilong Prison
Essentially the Scholarship has acted as my safety blanket from life stresses, that I simply haven't had to deal with.
Third year Bachelor of
Medical Science student
Without the support of the Scholarship I never would have made it.
Associate Professor in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Male Health & Wellbeing
Flinders University
I am the first in my family to attend university and I want to be a role model to my people that they can do it too.
Director & Aboriginal Accountant
KML Business Solutions
I am conscious of the benefits afforded me due to the hard work of Aboriginal forebearers and the financial support the Scholarship provided me.
Exhibitions Coordinator – Museum Of Discovery (MOD) | University of South Australia
Education is the most powerful tool for breaking down barriers, and the only way we can adapt with the rest of Australia whilst maintaining our strong culture.
Project Officer
Ngarrariyal Aboriginal Corporation
I consider myself to be a role model, giving young Aboriginal people something to aspire to.
Teacher
Department of Education
Sadly, not all young people have the same opportunities as I have. It is so important to increase the number of Aboriginal people pursuing higher education.
Legal Practitioner
Legal Services Commission of South Australia
I am a believer in education. I tell my story to younger generations and they are amazed to meet a grandmother who completed a degree. It is a real inspiration for them.
Retired
Receiving this Scholarship gave me the gift of empowerment.
Aboriginal Community Education Officer
Memorial Oval Primary School
The Scholarship gave me confidence to approach learning.
Casual Academic
Flinders University
I chose this degree because mental health in Indigenous people is a very real issue; Aboriginal people have some of the highest suicide rates in the world.
Psychology Student
UniSA
Moving away from my hometown was unexplainably hard and I am very grateful to have had the financial support the Scholarship provided.
Sports Trainer
Port Adelaide Football Club
As a single mother of three who had previously only completed one year of high school, the Scholarship helped support my family during my study.
Clinical Senior Social Worker
SA Health
The opportunity motivated me to do my absolute best. Just knowing that support was always there helped me.
Field Engineer
SANTOS
My academic performance improved with each passing semester. I learnt to study more efficiently and my determination to excel grew.
Senior Designer
Re
The Scholarship definitely helped financially – no question. But mentally, it was a game changer. There were donors backing me and that gave me the incentive to do my best.
Application Development Associate
Accenture
If it wasn’t for the support I’ve received, I’d be back in my home town, working part time in fast food or in a supermarket.”
Environmental Science student
I always wanted to be a teacher and give back to our young people.”
Teacher | Glossop High School
Every dollar you give supports Aboriginal education
100% of your gift will go directly to support the Gavin Wanganeen Aboriginal Scholarship – there are no administration fees, no overheads and no hidden costs.
Scholarship details
The Gavin Wanganeen Aboriginal Scholarship is open to Aboriginal students who are enrolled in any undergraduate program at the University of South Australia. Recipients are chosen from candidates who are financially or educationally disadvantaged, who can show that they have the will to succeed and who actively participate in community activity. Learn more about applying for the Gavin Wanganeen Aboriginal Scholarship.
When you give a gift to the Gavin Wanganeen Aboriginal Scholarship, every dollar goes to empowering our students and changing their lives. The University of South Australia is a deductible gift recipient. All donations to the Gavin Wanganeen Aboriginal Scholarship are tax deductible depending on your personal tax circumstances.
Get in touch with our Advancement Services team by email, or contact a specific staff member
Contact the Advancement team on +61 8 8302 7375 or email us
UniSA respectfully acknowledges the Kaurna, Boandik and Barngarla First Nations Peoples and their Elders past and present, who are the First Nations’ Traditional Owners of the lands that are now home to our campuses in Adelaide, Mount Gambier and Whyalla.
ARTWORK: Ngupulya Pumani
The University of South Australia is a Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR).
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