Yalari is a not-for-profit organisation making a powerful impact on the lives of Indigenous children from regional, rural, and remote communities across Australia. Through full boarding school scholarships and ongoing support, Yalari provides Indigenous students with access to high-quality secondary education, transforming not only individual futures but also entire communities.

The heart behind Yalari lies with its founders, Waverley Stanley and his wife Llew Mullins. Waverley’s own life was changed forever when, as a young boy in Year 7, his teacher Mrs. Rosemary Bishop recognised his potential. She helped him secure a scholarship to Toowoomba Grammar School in Queensland, opening doors that would have otherwise remained closed.

That experience planted the seed for Yalari. Years later, together with Llew, Waverley turned that inspiration into action, founding Yalari in 2005 with a vision to give other Indigenous children the same life-changing opportunity he had received.

The name "Yalari" holds deep meaning. It was suggested by Waverley’s grandfather, Blokey Wilson, during a heartfelt conversation on Palm Island. In the local language, "Yalari" means "child", a fitting name for an organisation centered on nurturing young people and investing in their futures.

At its core, Yalari’s mission is about creating generational change through education. Its flagship initiative, the Rosemary Bishop Indigenous Scholarship, covers full boarding school costs for Indigenous students over the six years of their secondary education.

But Yalari’s support goes well beyond scholarships.

Students receive guidance, mentoring, and post-school pathways assistance, ensuring they’re equipped for life beyond the classroom.

What began in 2006 with just three students has grown into a far-reaching program, supporting over 250 students each year across 34 leading partner schools in Australia. Yalari now has a thriving alumni network with over 480 graduates who have gone on to university, vocational training, or employment, many returning to their communities as role models and leaders.

Yalari’s reach includes South Australia, where schools such as Scotch College in Adelaide have hosted students through the program. 

As Yalari looks to the future, its mission remains as strong as ever: to empower young Indigenous Australians through education, so they can achieve their dreams and lead the change in their communities and beyond. With every student they support, Yalari is helping to build a more just, inclusive, and united Australia which is what reconciliation is all about.

In 2025, Yalari proudly celebrates its 20th anniversary, a milestone that underscores two decades of meaningful, life-changing work and are celebrating this with national Gala's. 

To learn more about their work and their events, or how to support the cause, visit www.yalari.org.