Aspiring Aboriginal teachers awarded scholarships

  • Aspiring teachers Sarah Thomas and Simon Hayward awarded Bob Hawke Aboriginal Teacher Scholarships
  • Successful applicants will be supported to complete a postgraduate or undergraduate teaching qualification

Education Minister Dr Tony Buti has today announced the two aspiring teachers who are the recipients of the Bob Hawke Aboriginal Teacher Scholarships for 2023.

Sarah Thomas and Simon Hayward have each been awarded the scholarship which supports aspiring Aboriginal secondary teachers to complete their teaching qualification.

Sarah Thomas has been awarded the undergraduate scholarship, while Simon Hayward is the postgraduate recipient.

Sarah Thomas is a proud Aboriginal person, and has ties to Ballardong, Wadjak Noongar, and Walgen Wongi country.

She is in her second year of studying a Bachelor of Education (Secondary), majoring in biological science, and minoring in physical education.

Simon Hayward is a proud Kaniyang and Goreng Noongar man from Katanning, with mob spread across the South West Boodjara, Wagly Kaip and Wadjak regions.

He is currently studying a Master of Teaching (Secondary), majoring in health and physical education.

The Bob Hawke Aboriginal teacher scholarships are named in honour of Bob Hawke’s lifelong support of Indigenous rights, and his vision of a fair and inclusive Australia.

Applications for the 2024 scholarships are now open. Visit: https://www.education.wa.edu.au/aboriginal-teacher-scholarships

As stated by Education Minister Dr Tony Buti:

“The Bob Hawke Aboriginal Teacher Scholarships aim to increase the number of Aboriginal secondary teachers in Western Australia.

“Congratulations to Sarah and Simon for being awarded this exciting opportunity.

“I have no doubt they will make outstanding teachers and I look forward to following their journey with education.”

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