23 July 2008

Two indigenous Victoria University students have been awarded major scholarships which help members of Australia's Aboriginal community pursue a university education.

First-year student Narelle Long, 19, was awarded an Indigenous Youth Leadership Program Tertiary Scholarship, which will pay her VU tuition fees for 2008 and 2009. The Federal Government scholarship offers educational opportunities and practical leadership experience to Indigenous young people from remote regions of Australia.

Narelle moved to Maribyrnong from Darwin earlier this year to study a double degree, combining a Bachelor of Exercise Science and Human Movement with a Bachelor of Sport and Recreation. She hopes to become a physiotherapist after she completes her four-year program at Footscray Park Campus.

She said: "It's my first time away from the Northern Territory and from my family. The size of Melbourne takes some getting used to."

Narelle, cousin of Hawthorn Hawkes' forward Cyril Rioli, and niece of former Essendon Bombers' great, Michael Long, is also a gifted athlete. She is combining her university studies with regular track and field training, with a goal of competing at the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

She said: "I noticed the scholarship on the VU website and was surprised when I won it. My Aboriginal heritage is very important because my grandfather was part of the stolen generation."

Another VU student, Karen Hill, 21, of Richmond, has been awarded the Balwyn Rotary Indigenous Scholarship for a second year. The $20,000-a-year honour is offered for up to four years to Aboriginal students from Victoria who achieved strong results at secondary school.

She said: "The scholarship certainly makes things a lot easier because I can concentrate on my studies."

Her school careers councillor at Bairnsdale Secondary School in East Gippsland, where Karen studied, recommended she apply for the scholarship. Now in her third year at St Albans Campus, Karen is working toward a Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Therapy.

She would like to become a nutritionist when she completes her degree, perhaps within the Indigenous community, because "It's such a huge issue, especially in remote communities".

A photo of Narelle and Karen together is available

Narelle Long and Karen Hill are available for interview

VU Media Contact: Ann Marie Angebrandt, Media Officer
Marketing and Communications Department, Victoria University
Ph: (03) 9919 5487 or Mobile: 0403 556 001