Bidjara and Dunghutti teenager Orielle Michaelis-Thorpe has made history as the first Aboriginal female youth to win a national title in competitive climbing.

The 15-year-old claimed first place in the Lead Youth B Female division at the 2025 National Youth Climbing Championships and came second in the Boulder category.

Her win has secured her a place in the Australian team for the World Youth Climbing Championships in Helsinki this August, where she will compete in the Lead Under 17 category.

In a message shared during Reconciliation Week, Orielle highlighted the significance of her win.

"It's a big deal for our people to be high achievers in other sports," she said.

Ms Michaelis-Thorpe said attending the world championships will be both an honour and a challenge.

"Because I am under 16 I have to take my mum with me," she said.

"This fundraiser is a big one because Europe is far and Helsinki is not really a budget destination."

The family is calling for public support to help cover travel, coaching and training costs.

"I am reaching out to the community for your support," Orielle said.

"It is more than just supporting me as an athlete.

"My presence and persistence in this sport increases representation and role modelling for Aboriginal youth."

Her mother, Ms Ljudan Thorpe, said the family has already spent over $15,000 to support Orielle's progress through national training camps and competition.

"If 500 people threw in $10, we'd be able to make it all work," Mrs Thorpe said.

Ms Michaelis-Thorpe is one of 15 female climbers selected for the 2025 National Youth Program, which includes high-performance training camps, strength and conditioning, and competition simulations at international standard.

Between camps, athletes are expected to maintain coaching programs independently.

"The level in international climbing is absolutely crazy," Mrs Thorpe said.

"If we can raise enough, she'll go to Europe early to train on the World Youth Championship competition walls.

"They've been set up in nominated gyms over there, and that experience would be crucial."

Orielle's international experience began last year, when she became the first Aboriginal female youth to compete at the World Youth Championships, held in Guiyang, China.

She placed 31st in Boulder and 39th in Lead, which Ms Thorpe said was a strong result given the lack of facilities and coaching in Australia compared to other countries.

"She was really proud of that. When Oceania Mackenzie did her first Worlds at 14, she came 39th too," Mrs Thorpe said.

"She came back from China and said, 'We're at the bottom of the barrel, Mum,' we don't have the same facilities, the same route setting, or coaching that matches the world standard. So it's an uphill battle."

Despite the barriers, Orielle has continued to rise in the rankings.

At the 2025 nationals, she not only won her category - she also topped the route set for both male and female youth competitors.

"Not only did she win the Nationals but the finals route was for the youth B males and the youth B females and she got higher than anyone except for the New Zealand guy. So she beat all the boys as well as all the girls," Mrs Thorpe said.

Orielle hopes her journey will help open that path for others.

"I can achieve this is with your help. Your support contributes to the development of shaping Australian climbers for a future in the Olympics."

Supporters can donate through the Australian Sports Foundation.