The QATSIF Scholarship Program was established to provide Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and their families with additional educational options and enhanced life opportunities. It offers support for the costs associated with senior studies, with the goal of encouraging students to remain in school during their final years. This initiative recognizes the historical challenges that Indigenous students have encountered in terms of retention and achievement compared to their non-Indigenous peers.

After colonization, Indigenous Australians engaged in a variety of occupations, including farming, mining, stock work, road construction, irrigation, domestic tasks, gardening, pearling, and fishing. Despite their significant contributions and the rightful expectation of payment, many Indigenous workers did not receive wages for their efforts. These unpaid wages are often referred to as 'stolen wages.' In some cases, the wages were placed in trust funds that Indigenous people could not access, while in other situations, they were compensated with rations like food and clothing instead of actual wages. The aim here is not to linger on the past but to encourage understanding and provide perspective.

QATSIF is a not-for-profit trust managed by The Public Trustee of Queensland. The funding it utilizes is derived from the interest generated on the initial contributions that established the QATSIF Trust. QATSIF is dedicated to honouring the sacrifices of our Elders and Ancestors, particularly those affected by the grave injustice of Stolen Wages. By safeguarding these funds, we ensure that the efforts and sacrifices of previous generations will continue to support future ones and create a lasting positive legacy.

The QATSIF graduation ceremony for the Bundaberg region took place at CQUni on Friday, August 2nd. We were delighted to celebrate with our Year 12 2024 QATSIF Scholarship recipients and our team members: Valli Mitchelson, Shaun Hobson, Fleur Supplice, Talitha Cattell, and Mr. McMahon.

A big congratulations to the following graduating Year 12 Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander students:  Kaleb A, Rhani D, Chloe E, Bella G, Daniel H, Ella H, Jorja J, Lailani J, Harry L, Hunter L, Savannaha M, Lily-Rose O, Keiarna S, Preston W.

Ms Valli Mitchelson
Indigenous Education Liaison Officer
Velma_Mitchelson@shalomcollege.com