Indigenous Scholar Flourishing Thanks to People Like You
Final year Bachelor of Laws and Diploma of Legal Practice student Taylah Gray is already making her mark on the world.
After receiving a prestigious Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Scholarship in 2018, Taylah has been giving back as a student leader, lecturer and passionate advocate for Indigenous issues.
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Scholarships have been made possible by a network of amazing community donors and fundraisers led by the Wollotuka Institute.
As a proud Wiradjuri woman from Dubbo, Taylah says it’s been an honour to represent her people and serve her community as an Indigenous scholar and role model. She is quick to point out that scholarships represent more than money, “Being recognised for my academic and community achievements at the Wollotuka Institute, by people whom I respect and admire, has been life-changing,” says Taylah. “This scholarship gave me confidence to put myself forward for more opportunities. I’ve been able to travel overseas twice to study and have my work published.”
Since completing her Bachelor of Aboriginal Professional Practice, Taylah has been teaching the Aboriginal Tertiary Studies course through the Yapug Program and provided guest lectures on race and ethnicity to students in other courses. Now, as she prepares to undertake a PhD with a focus on Native Title, Taylah’s goal is to plant the seeds from which others can grow. She wants to inspire more Indigenous people to pursue higher education and has also pledged to support another First Nations student from her high school to achieve their dream of studying at university.
Nathan Towney once showed me a quote, ‘When you leave your community for education, take an empty basket. Once you have fulfilled your education, take the basket back filled with fruit.’ Through my words and actions, I hope to inspire more Indigenous people to pursue higher education.”
- Taylah Gray
Bachelor of Laws and Diploma of Legal Practice
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Scholarship recipient
For a free guide to helping students achieve their potential through scholarships, contact Leanne Innes on 02 4921 8612 or email donor-relations@newcastle.edu.au
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.