First Nations led non-for profit organisation MADALAH has commenced 2026 under new leadership after appointing Casey Jo Drummond as its new CEO.

The charity offers secondary and tertiary education scholarships in Western Australia, partnering with leading boarding schools and Universities across the state.

Ms Drummond said MADALAH's partner schools do a great job.

"I think what we provide is making sure it is accessible to our families and our kids," Ms Drummond said.

"So we play our part in getting the message out there to the communities and families who might not know about the opportunities and actually making it feel achievable and attainable."

MADALAH is beneficial for students as it offers more than educational support. Its mentoring program is devoted to the wellbeing of students, ensuring a safe transition through the education system as well as the crucial transition from adolescence to adulthood.

Student and Family Support Team Lead, Charlie Mallard, said MADALAH does amazing work and is "an incredible place to work".

"For us there is nothing that compares or competes with the students we get to support," Mr Mallard said.

"They are the reason this thing works so well, they gives us the motivation to not only do the best work we can do but also be the best version of ourselves."

Ms Drummond has played a pivotal role in the evolution of MADALAH's scholarship program. In her previous role, between 2020 and 2025, she saw a generation of MADALAH students flourish while enhancing the program which has supported hundreds of Indigenous students across the state.

Ms Drummond's leadership at MADALAH has helped support a promising future generation, with her appointment as CEO marking a new chapter for the organisation.

"The beauty of this generation is that young people maintain their connection to their Elders, country, language and culture but they're also educated in the Western world," Ms Drummond said.

" They are the first generation coming through who can really walk in two worlds to the fullest. That is why MADALAH is important."

The program — which currently supports 520 students — has assisted more than 1000 young Indigenous people since its inception in 2009, with plans to increase that number in the coming years.

St Hilda's graduate and 2025 MADALAH head girl, Tahnee Rahnsfield, said with MADALAH's support she has been able to grow as a leader and represent her culture with pride.

"I took on responsibilities that required strong communication, organisation, and teamwork, and I worked closely with students and staff to support with initiatives," she said.

Ms Rahnsfield said Ms Drummond has been a vital part of her journey.

"Her guidance, encouragement, and genuine belief in students has made a significant difference in my confidence and ability to succeed," she said.

"Casey's leadership reflects MADALAH's commitment to not only supporting Indigenous students financially, but also emotionally and culturally."

Guilford Grammar graduate and 2025 MADALAH head boy, Brian Nokes, said Ms Drummond provided invaluable support for him during his schooling.

"Casey, for me, provided a safe space in MADALAH, being someone to talk to and someone that knows what I'm going through on a cultural level, as well as understanding what it's like to be homesick for the Pilbara," Mr Nokes said.

Following her appointment, Ms Drummond said she is focused on MADALAH's future, its changing dynamics and expansion.

"The next phase for MADALAH is that the organisation will be run by alumni, who better to teach and do the things that we're doing than the kids who have experienced the program," Ms Drummond said.

"We've recently extended the program to the Northern Territory which is exciting so again we need to learn and listen to those communities.

"MADALAH is essential in closing the Education gap between First Nations and non-First Nations students."

MADALAH Senior Manager Partnerships and Impact, Beth Banasik, said the organisation provides holistic support for scholarship recipients.

The financial and wraparound support provided to our scholars aims to ensure students don't just attend our partner schools, but that they also get the most out of the experience," Ms Banasik said.

Tionne Eades is now studying a diploma of screen performance at RMIT and is looking toward the future after being supported by MADALAH.

"MADALAH has helped me a lot with getting into university by giving me support, guidance and encouragement," she said.

"They made the process feel less stressful and helped me believe that university was actually an option for me."

Ms Eades said Ms Drummond empowered her and always made her feel believed in and capable of achieving her goals.

"A special moment for me was feeling genuinely encouraged and supported, not just academically but personally as well. That kind of leadership makes a big difference," Ms Eades said.

Last year was another successful year for MADALAH with 90 students graduating Year 12 across institutions in Western Australia.

"I can't believe the impact [MADALAH] actually makes," Ms Drummond said. I've worked with kids since I was a kid myself and this was the most pride I felt because I've seen lives change."

A projected 85 MADALAH students are anticipated to graduate in 2026.

More information about MADALAH's scholarship program can be found online.