Media Release
January 14, 2004
Wanganeen extends powerful support to Indigenous Australians
While the modern hype about leadership and role modelling has new currency in the business world today, for the Port Adelaide Football Club it's nothing new – it's tried, true and part of their tradition.
So it is no surprise that Gavin Wanganeen, Brownlow Medallist, Power Best and Fairest, two-time premiership player and the first Indigenous player to be granted AFL Life Membership, is looking to lead by supporting a university scholarship for Indigenous students.
The University of South Australia Gavin Wanganeen Indigenous Scholarship will be awarded for the first time in 2005 and while Wanganeen did not attend university himself, he is keen to promote the opportunity for this generation of students.
"National higher education figures show that only 1.1 per cent of enrolments at universities around Australia are Indigenous people," Wanganeen said.
"If I can help that figure grow by supporting this scholarship I will be really happy.
"Football has given me some wonderful opportunities in my life and a strong sense of achievement but it has also given me a real understanding that role models can make a difference to people's lives.
"I believe Indigenous kids need a range of role models – some in sport but also, teachers, business leaders, nurses, researchers and other careers. I hope the scholarship will support more Indigenous students at university so that they can contribute by becoming leaders in Australia and good examples for Indigenous children across the country."
Former CEO of the Port Adelaide Football Club and now Chief Executive for the Department of Further Education, Employment Science and Technology, Brian Cunningham said the Port Adelaide Football Club had one of the strongest traditions in the Australian Football League of supporting young men to achieve their goals.
"Years ago it used to all be about the game – about young men using the discipline of sport to help create success patterns in their lives," Cunningham said.
"But increasingly clubs and players have recognised the need to look at the whole person; players’ lives beyond their current careers as sportsmen and their responsibility as good role models. Encouraging participation in tertiary education is a big part of that.
"Port Adelaide is a club that is committed to education, both of athletes, and of young people. Lifelong learning is critical to the future of individuals and our state and the development of leadership, particularly in the Indigenous community."
In 2004 while 284,184 Australians started a University study program only 3,195 were Indigenous.
A range of factors contribute to low retention and continuation rates for Indigenous students through secondary school and tertiary education - including lack of community support, isolation from educational facilities and financial hardship.
The Gavin Wanganeen Indigenous Scholarship valued at $5000 a year will be offered to Indigenous students who can show they have the will to succeed but not the resources to attend University.
Those interested in contributing to the UniSA Gavin Wanganeen Indigenous Scholarship can contact the UniSA Foundation on +61883020964 or on email to yvonne.clark@unisa.edu.au.
Media contact
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Michèle Nardelli office (08) 8302 0966 mobile 0418 823 673 email michele.nardelli@unisa.edu.au