The 2024 Young, Black & Proud Scholarships presentation was held in Meanjin/Brisbane on Saturday at the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Health Service head office in Murrarie.
The event honoured the remarkable achievements of young Indigenous Queenslanders from across the state.
Now in its sixth year, the program has awarded 371 scholarships since its inception, with 125 recipients alone in 2024.
Representing regions from Hope Vale to Woorabinda, scholarship recipients demonstrate the diverse talents and aspirations within their communities.
Each scholarship, valued between $1,000 and $5,000, supports education, training, and professional development.
This year's recipients include emerging artists, athletes, and future healthcare professionals, all of whom shared their excitement and reflections on the significance of their achievements.
Atahnee Simpson, a 24-year-old Wakka Wakka and Jinibara woman from Cherbourg, now residing in Ipswich, received her scholarship for her contributions to the arts.
After the passing of her father in 2019, Simpson found healing through her art and has since launched her own business, Tahnsart.
"The first thing I'm going to do to celebrate is purchase an iPad, so I can get into digital art and expand my business," she said.
Ms Simpson highlighted the role of culture in her work.
"My culture gives me passion in my business every day. Connecting to Country through my artwork is what draws my passion and motivates me," she said.
Holyee-Ann Jackson, a 14-year-old Biripi BMX athlete from Ipswich, has been racing since she was three and recently competed at the BMX World Championships in Glasgow, finishing in the top ten.
Ms Jackson expressed her pride in receiving the scholarship, saying it "feels amazing."
"I feel proud all the time, just to be on this Earth, meeting people and sharing cultural recognition – I absolutely love it," she said.
Ms Jackson credited her father as her most influential figure.
"He brought me up in this sport and culture, taught me to be myself, and always try my hardest," she said.
Sophie Brunton, a proud Gangulu woman, relocated from Central Queensland in 2023 to pursue a nursing degree.
She plans to specialise in mental health nursing, driven by the need for better healthcare in her community.
"It feels good that more people are being recognised," she said.
"I've always been interested in healthcare, and seeing firsthand how bad healthcare can affect families."
Ms Brunton also shared what it means to be Black, Loud and Proud.
"Being proud of who you are and where you come from, and trying to show that to people," she said.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Health Service (ATSICHS) chief executive Renee Blackman highlighted the importance of cultural pride, community empowerment, and collaboration with the Queensland Family and Child Commission in supporting young people to pursue their goals and become future leaders.
"As a community-controlled organisation we understand the unique challenges and strengths of our communities," she said.
"This scholarship is a testament to our dedication to empowering our young people to rewrite their stories, pursue their goals, and become the future leaders of our communities.
"We are honoured to partner once again with the Queensland Family and Child Commission on this initiative."
The YBPS program continues to support young Indigenous Queenslanders, encouraging them to pursue their dreams while staying connected to their culture and communities.
