In a bid to enhance the educational achievements of First Nations students, the Albanese Government has announced substantial funding for two key Indigenous organisations, the GO Foundation and the Aurora Education Foundation.
The GO Foundation will receive $4m to expand its scholarship program, which has already helped over 1,700 Indigenous students since its founding in 2009. This new investment will enable the foundation to offer more than just financial support, including cultural workshops, internships, and broader educational opportunities.
Additionally, the Aurora Education Foundation is set to receive $4.5m to enhance its Redefining Indigenous Success in Education (RISE) initiative. Aurora’s programs, which include tutoring, camps, and mentoring, supported 541 students across 49 schools in 2024. The new funding aims to nearly double this reach, potentially benefiting up to 800 students.
Federal Education Minister, Jason Clare, emphasised the importance of these scholarships in helping more students pursue higher education opportunities.
"I want more kids to finish school and have the opportunity to attend university. These scholarships are part of this. The work that Aurora and GO Foundation are doing is increasing attendance rates and helping more Indigenous students to finish school and go on to TAFE or university," Minister Clare said.
In a statement coinciding with the funding announcement, Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney said "education is the key to empowering young people to dream big and build great careers".
"GO Foundation provides support for young Indigenous Australians to be strong in their culture and succeed at school, training, and work," she said "The Aurora Education Foundation is doing important work to help improve the system so that all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students can thrive."
GO Foundation CEO, Charlene Davison, welcomed the funding, saying the organisation "believes in the power of education, the strength of identity and culture, and the unlimited potential of Indigenous students engaged in our Program."
“This investment from Government will allow GO to reach more students, build on our current initiatives through deeper engagement and continue to create an environment where successful stories of our GO students can emerge," Davison said.
“Our 15 year milestone reflects our maturity as an organisation and our ability to stand the test of time by creating a space for Indigenous students to unlock the power of their identity and culture while at school and university. I am so excited to see where the next 15 years will take us."
Davison noted that since launching its Strategic Plan in 2022, GO Foundation has supported its largest cohort of students, expanding its reach to 16 universities and 100 schools.
"We have also implemented new initiatives including our Year 5&6 Leaderships Days and Alumni Network.”
Aurora Education Foundation CEO, Leila Smith, said Aurora’s 'Redefining Indigenous Success in Education' (RISE) initiative imagines a system where Indigenous success in all its forms is recognised and valued.
"[We imagine] a system where we leverage the value of Indigenous knowledges and traditions that have sustained our people and this continent for millennia," Smith said. “The Government’s investment in RISE demonstrates trust in this vision, and a recognition that Indigenous organisations and communities know what’s best for our people."
Smith said there is much to gain from championing Indigenous definitions of success in education and tapping into the potential of Indigenous-led data to influence real change and better outcomes.
"I am excited about what impact the Government’s investment will have, not only on today’s Indigenous students but also generations to come.”