12 March 2015

Freddy Fricke Scholarship winners announced

The NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC) will support three young Aboriginal university students this year under the Freddy Fricke Scholarship Program.

The Scholarship, named after Freddy Fricke who in 2000 bequeathed his home to NSWALC, helps Aboriginal students reach their academic potential and launch their careers.

We received a strong field of applicants this year. After careful consideration of applications, the Scholarship will support:

• Dunghutti and Gamilaraay man Jonathon Captain-Webb from Mortdale, Sydney
• Worimi woman India Latimore from Newcastle
• Barkantji man Leroy Bates from Wilcannia

Mr Captain-Webb, who is studying a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Law at the University of NSW, said being the first in his family to attend university inspired him to use his skills to guide young Aboriginal people in his community. He plans to work with at-risk youth through the Aboriginal Legal Service.

Ms Latimore, who is midway through a Bachelor Medicine degree at the University of Newcastle, became passionate about her career choice after volunteering at an Aboriginal Medical Service (AMS).

Mr Bates, a traditional owner of Mutawinji National Park, will study a Bachelor of Environmental Science  in Parks, Recreation and Heritage at Charles Sturt University in Albury.

Since 2002, 41 Aboriginal students have been awarded Freddy Fricke Scholarships.

Applications for the program will reopen next year.