Recipients of this year's Bob Hawke Aboriginal Teacher Scholarships, a Western Australian Department of Education initiative, have been announced.
Current students Charlize Manado and Shaye Skraha have been awarded the support aimed at strengthening the number of Indigenous secondary teachers in the state.
The scholarships were introduced in 2020 coinciding with the opening of the Bob Hawke College, named after the former Prime Minister, a public secondary school in Subiaco.
For an undergraduate student, the scholarship comes with $28,000 or $7,000 per full year of study, or equivalent, as well as a $2000 appointment allowance if the recipient begins teaching within a year of finishing their course.
A second postgraduate scholarship is valued at $16,000 - eight grand for each of two years studying a secondary teaching Masters, or equivalent, with the same allowance offered if starting their career within a year.
2024 undergraduate recipient Jessika Coenen said last year their job as a Aboriginal and Islander Education Officer at two schools gave her "the opportunity to make a positive impact to student lives".
Last year's post-graduate scholarship awardee Jasper John said the support "helped me immensely through the financial pressures of studying whilst having a young family," he said.
"I have been able to get much needed study resources, materials, and attend professional development in Perth.
Both 2025 recipients are former public school students, a statement from WA Education Minister Sabine Winton celebrated.
Graduating from Geraldton Senior High School in 2020, Charlize Manado is enrolled in a Bachelor of Education with CQ University at the local Universities Centre in the state's Mid-West.
Shaye Skraha finished up her own high school journey in 2020 in Bunbury, and has since completed a Bachelor of Sports Sciences and Exercise and Health at the University of Western Australia.
The Larrakia woman is now enrolled in an Master of Teaching (Secondary) at UWA.
"This scholarship has helped aspiring Aboriginal teachers with their qualifications since 2020 and I'm pleased the 2025 recipients will also benefit as they progress toward their teaching careers," Minister Winton said.
"I want to congratulate Charlize and Shaye on this outstanding achievement. They will undoubtedly be incredible teachers who will help inspire Western Australian students.
"As Education Minister, I am committed to supporting initiatives that encourage culturally inclusive learning environments."
