12 Oct YOUNG, BLACK AND PROUD SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED TO LOCAL YOUTH
On Tuesday 24 September, two local young Indigenous Queenslanders were awarded the Young, Black, and Proud scholarships (YBPS) to support the pursuit of their dreams.
The scholarships are managed by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Health Service (ATSICHS) Brisbane and sponsored by the Queensland Family and Child Commission (QFCC) and support the aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people who require financial support for schooling, university, the arts or sporting activities.
23-year-old Jaye from Burua was awarded a scholarship in the Education and Training category. Working fulltime in community organisations, including Roseberry, Jaye is working to improve the lives of Indigenous young people living with mental health. Jaye’s dream is to continue supporting her local community, helping people in their life’s journey. Jaye is using her scholarship funds to help cover the cost of her Diploma in Community Services. “My career aspirations are to continue to support the community by breaking down the stigma of mental health, encourage and support our young people to seek help throughout their life journey…. I want to have the opportunity to excel in my career and be a supportive role model to our Indigenous young people and community,” Jaye explained.
Agnes Water’s Tyron, a 13-year-old Butchulla/Badtjala boy, has also been awarded a scholarship in the Sports category. Tyron enjoys being involved with the Deadly Boxing Academy. He has a keen interest in health and fitness and tries to be a positive role model for his little brother. Tyron dreams of one day walking out at the Commonwealth Games or Olympic Games carrying the Aboriginal flag, showing the world how proud he is to be an Aboriginal man, and to ‘show that the statistics and stereotypes do not define us and our people.’ Tyron has won the National Open Golden Gloves (57kg) and the U19 State Titles. He will continue his fighting at a national representative level this year Fighting in NZ for NZ National Titles and for Australian National Titles. “I live in a very humble home in a rural community; my dad is a carer for my mum and disabled sister, making it impossible for my parents to work. With seven kids and medical expenses, money doesn’t come easy. I appreciate everything my parents and family have sacrificed for me to be able to pursue my boxing dreams,” Tyron added.
