The Australian Indigenous Education Foundation (AIEF) has appointed Wyatt Cook-Revell as a Non-Executive Director, strengthening Indigenous representation and lived experience on its Board.
The proud Birri Gubba, Gurang Gurang, Wangan Jagalingou and Wakka Wakka man joins the Board after receiving both secondary and tertiary scholarships through AIEF.
He graduated from Ipswich Grammar School in 2015 and later completed a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) at QUT, followed by a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice.
Now an Associate at global law firm Jones Day, Mr Cook-Revell advises clients in employment, discrimination and workplace safety law across a range of sectors.
He also lectures at QUT, sits on Legal Aid Queensland's First Nations Advisory Committee, and is active with the Indigenous Lawyers Association of Queensland.
Mr Cook-Revell said his appointment felt like a full-circle moment after being supported by AIEF as a student.
"Joining the AIEF Board as a Non-Executive Director feels like a full circle moment for me," Mr Cook-Revell said.
"I was an AIEF scholar through secondary school and university, and that support had a real impact on my life and my pathway into law... it created opportunity, but it also created belief.
"It is important for me to give back in a way that supports the next generation. This role is about contributing to an organisation that backs young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to succeed."
He said he would focus on enabling positive transitions for young people beyond school.
"My focus is on supporting AIEF's mission and values in a practical way," Mr Cook-Revell said.
"That means continuing to back young Indigenous people to access quality education, complete Year 12 and successfully transition into university, training or employment.
"Ultimately, the goal is simple. More young people finishing school, stepping confidently into their next chapter, and staying connected to strong community and culture along the way."
Reflecting on his own experiences, Mr Cook-Revell said cultural support and mentorship were essential for success in boarding environments.
"Boarding school brings opportunity, but it also comes with real challenges," he said.
"What made the biggest difference for me was having strong mentors and people who genuinely believed in my potential, especially during difficult periods.
"My lived experience reminds me that success is not just about academic access. It is about cultural understanding, steady guidance and ensuring young people feel supported, seen and capable of reaching their full potential."
AIEF was established in 2008 to provide scholarships for Indigenous students attending boarding schools or completing tertiary education.
It has supported over 1,500 students from more than 400 communities across Australia.
