Our Journey

In February 2023 Aurora bolsters its senior leadership team, appointing Nyikina man Charles Prouse as Aurora’s first Indigenous Board Chair.

On the appointment, Charles said: “Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have some of the world’s most charismatic and intellectually accomplished leaders, but we need to get the education system right if we want to bolster this pipeline of Indigenous leaders. Aurora’s work in this space is remarkable, demonstrating an unwavering belief in the unlimited potential of Indigenous peoples and making strides to change the education system so it better reflects Indigenous values, cultures and knowledges. I am delighted to continue working with Aurora, now as Chair, at such a pivotal time in their journey.”

The Roberta Sykes Indigenous Education Foundation (RSIEF) integrates its Scholarships and Bursaries into the Aurora Education Foundation (Aurora) suite of programs. This restructure, driven by a collective mission to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to realise their full education potential, sees Aurora and RSIEF combine by RSIEF dissolving as a separate organisation.

As a volunteer-run organisation, RSIEF recognised the value and opportunities that would come from working more closely with Aurora as a single organisation.

As part of the restructure, Aurora was tasked with continuing to preserve and celebrate the Roberta Sykes legacy. In doing so, Aurora remains innovative and adaptive in creating opportunities for Indigenous students to undertake post-graduate scholarships at leading overseas universities, and ensures that this experience contributes to tangible development opportunities for students upon their return home.

In February 2023, Aurora releases a new five-year Strategic Plan.

This Plan is a crucial step in articulating how Aurora will work towards its vision, maximise the potential of Indigenous young people, evolve the education system to encourage stronger Indigenous student outcomes, and strengthen the pipeline of Indigenous leaders.

By 2027, Aurora commits to improving education outcomes for more than 700 high school students, creating 500 internships for university students, supporting 25 post-graduates to study internationally, and offering 25 professional scholarships to First Nations people wanting to further their careers – and that’s just the beginning.

To achieve this, Aurora plans to grow the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander managers and executives who have the networks, expertise and knowledge to inform and shape systemic change.

First Indigenous CEO and Aurora Alumnus, Leila Smith is appointed, as Aurora becomes an Indigenous organisation. 

Indigenous leadership has always been a key part of Aurora’s work. Founded by Richard Potok in 2006 as the Aurora Project, Aurora has been instrumental in supporting international pathways in education for Indigenous scholars. Richard’s commitment to Aurora has contributed to supporting a growing number of Indigenous Australian leaders, mentors and role models. 

New vision and mission has been developed with input from the whole organisation:

Our vision is a society in which Australia’s First Peoples determine their own aspirations through education and life-long learning, shaping a new future for our country.

Our mission is to inspire First Peoples in their education journey and connect them with educational and career opportunities that enable them to realise their potential.
Aurora supports students and scholars to achieve unparalleled outcomes and shift the conversation to one of proud and talented students with limitless potential. To achieve systemic change, we are committed to an authentic and trusted approach, evidence-based decision making and a long-term focus.

Aurora’s Theory of Change is developed, capturing the intersection of our work along different levels of impact for individuals, community, institutions and wider society.

To ensure we continue to deepen the impact of our work nationally, Aurora establishes a second office, located in Perth.

Our Indigenous Mentors are going to classrooms and communities across Australia through Outreach sessions, acting as role models by inspiring younger students to set their own aspirations and foster self-determination to help students define their own version of success. Aurora’s Indigenous Mentors have given back to the community by undertaking more than 5000 hours of outreach sessions with more than 600 Indigenous high school students and supported them to think about their academic and career goals.