Australian Indigenous Education Foundation - AIEF

"You're not just supporting one child, you're supporting their family and their broader community."

Meet Kodie, a proud Dharawal woman from La Perouse, NSW and AIEF Alum who is preserving culture and creating change.

After completing Year 12 at St Vincent's College, Potts Point on an AIEF Scholarship in 2018, Kodie became the first in her family to attend university.

Kodie now works with the NSW AECG and founded Malima, delivering Aboriginal cultural workshops and employing people from across the La Perouse community.

This is the AIEF Difference.

Donate today to help more young Indigenous thrive: https://engage.aief.com.au/donations-donate/

Over 80 AIEF Scholarship Students joined us in Brisbane for our Term 2 Pathways event series, from The Cathedral College, Ipswich Girls' Grammar School, Marist College Ashgrove, St Joseph's Nudgee College, St Peters Lutheran College Stuartholme School (official) and Downlands College.

From practical workshops to real-world insights, the day was packed with opportunities for students to engage, learn and think ahead.

Qantas brought a strong presence to the day, connecting with students on resumes, interviews and presentation in a way that was both engaging and impactful. Their team brought real energy, sharing insights and offering a genuine look into career pathways.

We also recognise Commonwealth Bank for their contribution to the day and their support in bringing these events to life.

A special thanks to AIEF Alumni Rob Thatcher and Phoenix Gibson for supporting students throughout the day.

Over 60 AIEF Scholarship Students from across Far North Queensland came together at The Cathedral School of St Anne & St James - Townsville for our Term 2 Pathways event series, with a strong focus on the future of work.

Students from The Cathedral School of St Anne & St James - Townsville, St Augustine's College, St Monica's College, Cairns and St Patrick's College Townsville came together to explore future career opportunities and life beyond school, including a session from Commonwealth Bank on using AI for learning and career development.

Big thank you to AIEF Alum Ashley Hammond – a 2021 graduate of The Cathedral School, Townsville – who returned to support students throughout the day.

Volunteers are at the heart of AIEF’s impact, supporting students and alumni as they work towards their goals.

This National Volunteer Week, we say thank you to our incredible volunteer community for sharing their time, knowledge and experience with AIEF and the young Indigenous Australians we’re proud to support.

From being the first boy in his family to finish Year 12 to giving back to create opportunities for others, Jac’s journey shows what’s possible with the right support.

A proud Gunditjmara man, Jac graduated from Melbourne Grammar School in 2019 on an AIEF Scholarship. For Jac, that opportunity helped build more than his career - it built his confidence, expanded his horizons and created lifelong connections.

Since graduating, Jac has continued to lead with purpose, staying connected to AIEF and supporting the next generation of young Indigenous people to follow their ambitions.

This is the AIEF Difference. Help empower more young Indigenous people to lead with purpose.

Donate today: https://engage.aief.com.au/donations-donate/

We’ve kicked off our Term 2 Pathways event series, starting with a dynamic day for NSW students at NCIE this week.

The event brought students together to connect, hear real stories and build confidence as they explore pathways into further study or the workforce.

It was great seeing the strength of the AIEF Alumni Network in action, with AIEF Alum Lowanna Moran leading as host. Lowanna, who graduated from St Catherine's School Sydney on an AIEF Scholarship and went on to complete university on an AIEF Tertiary Scholarship, exemplifies the genuine commitment of many alumni who return to support, guide and inspire the next generation of Indigenous students.

We’re excited to bring this experience to more locations over the coming weeks.

Big thanks to Commonwealth Bank and Qantas for supporting the series.

In tough economic times, it’s reassuring to see continued bipartisan support from the Federal Government for Indigenous education.

Since AIEF was established in 2008, every Prime Minister has supported our work. The latest announcement shows the Albanese Government believes in long-term solutions that deliver real results:

• Over 90% of AIEF Scholarship Students finish Year 12
• Over 90% go on to further study, work or other positive pathways

We couldn’t do this alone. Our partnerships with government and the private sector help ensure Indigenous children can access a quality education and build strong futures.

Photo: Nikki Short/The Australian

The Scots College
St Gregory's College - Authorised Page
SHORE
Loreto Normanhurst
Pymble Ladies' College
TAS The Armidale School (official)

It’s National Boarding Week!

We’re celebrating all the AIEF Scholarship Students who call boarding school home. Their courage, resilience and commitment to learning shine through every day.

Behind every boarder is a strong team: Parents and families who support them from near and far. Boarding staff who care for them. Teachers who believe in them.

We would like to recognise the work of our AIEF Partner Schools in providing safe facilities across the country and celebrate boarding students and the community that helps them thrive.

So proud to see AIEF Alum Kobe Sabatino‑See Kee deliver the Acknowledgment of Country at the 2026 Future Western Sydney event.

Proudly Kaureg and originally from Thursday Island, Kobe spoke before an audience including Prime Minister, Opposition Leader and NSW Premier, reflecting on their journey from Thursday Island to boarding school, to now studying a Bachelor of Nursing. Kobe reflected on how attending St Augustine's College opened doors to new experiences, friendships and lifelong connections.

Thank you to The Daily Telegraph for supporting opportunities for young Indigenous people to share their stories and help shape Western Sydney’s future.

Thanks to AIEF Patron David Gonski AC and CommBank Chair Paul O’Malley for hosting the annual AIEF Ambassador Briefing at Commonwealth Bank.

AIEF Alumni Wyatt, Sophie, Mitch, Chris, Liam and Ramona came together with AIEF Ambassadors and supporters to reflect on the impact of receiving a scholarship, their education journeys and hopes for the future.

We thank each of our AIEF Ambassadors for their continued support and contribution to our mission of supporting young Indigenous people to build a brighter future for themselves and for our nation.