Australian Indigenous Education Foundation - AIEF

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Australian Indigenous Education Foundation - AIEF

Hard heads, soft hearts and capable hands

28/08/2026

AIEF is proud to have been part of the National Bush Summit in Dubbo recently, with AIEF Alum Jackson Dowling, a proud Aboriginal man with family connections to Birpai Country, delivering the Acknowledgement of Country.

Based in Dubbo, Jackson is a registered nurse, midwife and Flight Nurse with the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia (RFDS), where he flies aeromedical retrievals across rural and remote NSW. He’s pictured with the organisation’s Chief Executive Emma Buchanan – with both speaking about the RFDS’s important work in connecting over a third of Australians to health care and life-saving services.

Having boarded at The Scots College an AIEF Scholarship, Jackson also spoke about the importance of access to education for students living in the bush and other regional communities.

Thank you Jackson for representing AIEF and sharing your inspiring story.

25/08/2026

AIEF Class of 2026 Graduation Ceremony

The AIEF community, together with supporters and stakeholders from across the nation, recently joined in celebrating and congratulating over 80 graduating Year 12 AIEF Scholarship Students at this year’s Graduation Ceremony.

It was a meaningful moment to reflect on the students' dedication, perseverance and accomplishments throughout their school journey. We congratulate them on all they’ve achieved and wish them every success in the future.

17/08/2026

Join us in celebrating the class of 2026!

07/08/2026

Garma brought people together for a truly unforgettable experience.

This year’s theme, Bukmak, highlighted the importance of unity, inclusion and collective action for lasting change.

The AIEF Team was proud to once again host a group at Garma including AIEF Alumni Dion, Lowanna and Jerome, AIEF Board Director Emily Hill and representatives from AIEF Supporter Ashurst Perkins Coie. It was also great to catch up with other AIEF Alumni, Will and Amarley and to meet politicians including Minister for Indigenous Australians Senator Malarndirri McCarthy - Northern Territory, Minister for Education Jason Clare and Foreign Minister Penny Wong - Senator for SA.

Thank you to the Yolngu community for hosting such a meaningful gathering and for the opportunity to learn, connect and be inspired. We look forward to continuing our work to support Indigenous students to realise their potential through education.

30/07/2026

"Without AIEF, I wouldn't have been able to go to boarding school. They supported me throughout my schooling and really helped me through my education.”

Growing up in Darwin, proud Woolwonga woman Marley (pictured left) was supported by an AIEF Scholarship to attend Ipswich Girls' Grammar School. As she settled into boarding life, she built confidence, independence and resilience, while embracing opportunities both in and outside the classroom.

Throughout her final years of school, Marley explored career pathways and strengthened her ambition to study law, including completing a Certificate IV in Justice Studies. Today, she is studying law at university while balancing a role in a rugby development squad.

"AIEF Scholarships give young Indigenous people the opportunity to make something of themselves and access a really strong education," says Marley.

Thanks to the generous support of Commonwealth Bank young Indigenous students like Marley are gaining access to quality education and making the most of the opportunities presented to them.

27/07/2026

Opening Doors, Building Confidence

For Year 12 graduate Noah, an AIEF Scholarship provided more than access to education – it opened the door to a world of opportunity.

A proud Gamilaraay man from Walgett, NSW, Noah began boarding at Knox Grammar School in Year 7, following in his older brother's footsteps. While the transition from a small remote town to a large boarding school environment wasn't always easy, Noah embraced the opportunities available to him, from academics and sport to sharing his culture with the wider school community.

Today, Noah has returned home to Walgett, where he works as a learning support officer at the local primary school and is preparing to undertake firefighter training.

"AIEF gives young Indigenous people the chance to receive quality education that can change their lives,” said Noah.

Thanks to the generous support of SAP young Indigenous Alumni like Noah are gaining access to quality education and making the most of the opportunities presented to them.

10/07/2026

Congratulations to AIEF Alum Jess Tedim, who was commissioned by News Corp Australia to paint an artwork for the cover of their latest Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).

A proud Gamilaroi/Ularoi yinarr woman, Jess attended St Vincent's College, Potts Point, on an AIEF Scholarship, graduating in 2017 before going on to study at Griffith University on an AIEF Tertiary Scholarship, graduating in 2023 with a Bachelor of Science and Fine Arts.

The artwork, titled Truth and Trust, presents storytelling as a continuous and flowing process, exploring themes of truth-telling, accountability and the importance of building trust through honouring First Nations voices.

Jess spoke at the RAP launch event, unveiling the artwork and sharing the meaning behind its motifs and symbols, alongside Michael Miller, Executive Chairman of News Corp Australia. She also got to meet Sky News Australia’s CEO Paul Whittaker and Chairman of the Herald & Weekly Times Penny Fowler , who are both AIEF Ambassadors.

We were also proud to see AIEF featured within the RAP itself, highlighting our valued partnership with The Australian, Sky News Australia and News Corp Australia, whose support continues to create opportunities for young Indigenous people to thrive and share their stories.

03/07/2026

Thank you to everyone who supported AIEF’s 2026 Tax Appeal.

We’re proud to share the success of AIEF Alumni like Jac and Kodie, two graduates whose education sparked journeys into entrepreneurship, cultural leadership and community impact.

Your generosity is already making a difference, helping young Indigenous Australians access the scholarships and pathways they need to lead with purpose. Each student you support creates ripple effects that strengthen their family, their community and future generations.

This is the AIEF Difference - education that creates lasting and generational change. And you are part of it. Thank you.

03/07/2026

Congratulations to the AIEF Scholarship Students who were part of the St Patrick's College Townsville team that was crowned the 2026 Confraternity Trophy Division Champions!

A special congratulations to AIEF students Delailah and Tryniti, who were recognised with the Team Best & Fairest and Spirit of the Carnival awards.

30/06/2026

Congratulations to AIEF Alum Kyla Grieve, whose artwork ‘Resilience in Flow’ has been selected to feature in HSBC Australia’s 2026-2028 Reconciliation Action Plan.

A proud Kokoberrin and Kurtijar woman from Normanton who graduated from The Cathedral School of St Anne & St James - Townsville Kyla’s piece reflects on her time at boarding school, the growth it brought and the strong support she drew from her family, culture and connection to Country.

Now pursuing her next chapter in the Royal Australian Army, Kyla was unable to attend the event as she completes her basic training to become an Aircraft Technician.

AIEF Alum Harry Tanner attended the HSBC RAP launch alongside AIEF Ambassadors Steve Hughes and Benson Saulo who were also in attendence.

Thank you to HSBC for partnering with AIEF to elevate Indigenous voices, stories and opportunities.

Address

Suite 2A, Level 2, 2-12 Foveaux Street
Sydney, NSW
2010

Telephone

+61283738000

Website

http://www.aief.com.au/

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