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Tuesday 23 May 2006, Media Release

TOP MARKS TO NSWALC SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

The achievements of some of NSW’s best and brightest Aboriginal tertiary students were officially recognised by the state government and NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC) today during a ceremony at Parliament House.

Nine recipients of the NSWALC-sponsored Freddy Fricke Scholarship were honoured at the ceremony by the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Mr. Milton Orkopoulos.

Mr Orkopoulos presented each with a scholarship certificate.

The scholarships will assist the students study in a range of disciplines, including medical science, radiography, law, primary school teaching, business, commerce, community management and international studies.

The Administrator of NSWALC, Mr Murray Chapman, said the state’s peak Aboriginal organisation was proud to support the higher education of those who were likely to use their future skills to the benefit of their own and wider NSW communities.

“This year our Scholarship recipients include a female police constable, Rebecca Kirk, a manager/accountant and father of five, Charles Lynch, as well as younger students, who have already made contributions to their Aboriginal communities and are eager to do more,” Mr Chapman said.

“Australian Indigenous Law student Ebony Allen has represented her people in forums including the NSW Premier’s Council for Women while Adam Honeysett and Gemma Fennell plan to take their respective teaching and radiography skills to rural and remote areas to help Aboriginal people.

“Similarly Elyse Chricton, Troy Fletcher, Kieran Grieves and Cheryl Brooks plan to use their future medical science, business, international studies and community management skills to help Aboriginal people.”

NSWALC initiated the Freddy Fricke Scholarship Account in 2002 with the aim of increasing the number of NSW Aboriginal people with professional careers in finance and commerce. The scholarship program was broadened this year to include other disciplines including the law, health and medicine, education, science, community welfare, and human resources.

The 2006 Freddy Fricke Scholarship winners will receive grants of between $2250 and $7500 to help with the payment of university fees and text books.

Mr Chapman praised the work of the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF Australia) in administering the Freddy Fricke Scholarship which was established by the $537,000 proceeds of the sale of a Bondi Junction home bequeathed to NSWALC by local identity, Frederick (Freddy) Thomas Fricke, upon his death in April 2000.

“NSWALC has named its scholarship program in honour of Freddy Fricke and his final wishes to assist the Aboriginal people of NSW which is being done by actively promoting and fostering Aboriginal education, self determination and economic independence,” he added

“We hope that this successful Scholarship program will continue into the future with further financial support from government and business sectors as well as individual donors.”

Further information: Paul Molloy 0419 690 926