Family legacy supporting Indigenous education
Everybody has different reasons for leaving a gift in their Will. Frances Doherty is proud to honour her father, Jack Doherty, whose activism to bring change for Indigenous students had an indelible impact on the University’s history.
Frances remembers her father’s passion for education and social justice; and how he would support and motivate her during her early career as a teacher working with students from diverse and disadvantaged backgrounds.
“My father worked tirelessly for recognition and justice for Indigenous Australians. I’m proud to continue his legacy of supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to study at the University of Newcastle, develop the skills and confidence to achieve their goals and become leaders in any field they choose to follow.”
Belief in potential
Scholarships provide vital support, often when students are feeling most challenged or are yet to believe in their own potential. This feeling is one that Nathan Towney, Pro Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Strategy and Leadership and the 2003 recipient of the Jack Doherty Undergraduate Scholarship for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Students, remembers well.
“As a young Wiradjuri man from Wellington NSW studying a Bachelor of Education, being awarded this scholarship changed the way I thought about myself and higher education in general. That someone who didn’t know me would put themselves in a position to help me financially really motivated me to succeed,” says Nathan.
With more first-in-family and Indigenous students enrolled at the University of Newcastle than any other Australian university, scholarships not only provide financial support, but encourage students to believe in themselves.
It is extremely rewarding knowing my gift will continue on my father's legacy and the good work that he had started.”
- Frances Doherty, Bequest and Scholarship Donor
Honouring a legacy
Jack Doherty was a science lecturer who helped set up the Newcastle Aboriginal Support Group in 1980. To honour his memory, and encourage support of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, a scholarship now known as the Doherty Ellis Undergraduate Scholarship for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Students was established in his name. Initially funded by community donations, Frances has been supporting this scholarship for many years, seeing the impact first-hand, with over 40 scholarships awarded since it began in 1992. Her decision to leave a gift in her Will to fund the scholarship beyond her lifetime will ensure her family's passion for education continues.
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Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.