AIEF Author, Author at AIEF

THIS WILL NEVER HAPPEN

THIS WILL NEVER HAPPEN WE SAY IT CAN. AIEF helps empower young Indigenous people to access quality education, ensuring that opportunity reaches those who need it most. Without access to education, the path to leadership – in Parliament, in boardrooms, in every place decisions are made – is blocked before it even begins. By removing […]

In Memoriam: Prof the Hon Dame Marie Bashir

In Memoriam The Australian Indigenous Education Foundation (AIEF) is deeply saddened by the death of AIEF Patron Professor The Honourable Dame Marie Bashir AD CVO. Professor Bashir passed away on 20 January 2026 in Sydney aged 95. Michelle Penfold, Deputy CEO, Founder and Director of AIEF, paid tribute to Professor Bashir’s longstanding support of the […]

Growth, Persistence and Transformation through Education

Growth, Persistence and Transformation through Education The AIEF journey started in 2008 with one scholarship student at a school in Sydney. Now more than 17 years on, we are proud to have witnessed over 1,000 young Indigenous people from around Australia who have graduated from school and university and gone on to make their mark […]

Promoting Indigenous women in STEM

Receiving an AIEF Scholarship helped Charlotte to develop and realise her passion for Science which she is now pursuing at university. “I am a proud Barunggam woman from the remote town of Miles in the Western Downs Region of Queensland. “My journey with AIEF began in 2019 as a Year 8 student, when I began […]

Transforming futures through education

“Being on an AIEF Scholarship, we were able to have a better future and achieve our goals.” Sisters Amelya and Lilly are proud Torres Strait Islander women descended from the Dauareb people of the Meriam nation, and the Saisarem people of Erub Island in the eastern islands of the Torres Strait. Their story is proof […]

Endless opportunities and experiences

“If I told my younger self of all the opportunities and experiences I’ve had, he wouldn’t believe me at all. “Looking back, there’s so much I’ve gained and experienced. More than I could ever imagine.” William completed Year 12 on an AIEF Scholarship in 2024 at Knox Grammar School in Sydney. My name is William. […]

“Investment in me is investment in my community”

“My AIEF Scholarship to Pymble provided me with access to facilities like well-equipped libraries, dedicated tutors, and coaches who nurtured my passion for sports. It wasn’t just about the resources; it was about the people who believed in me.” Libby completed Year 12 on an AIEF Scholarship in 2011 at Pymble Ladies’ College in Sydney. […]