Cape York Partnership acknowledges the generous bequest of Eileen Emmerson, whose final gift will help create real opportunities for First Nations children and young people to further their education.
Eileen was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland on 3 November 1948 and passed away in Sydney, Australia on 15 March 2024. She had a second home in Donegal, Ireland and her family remain in Northern Ireland.
In her younger years, Eileen travelled the world, living for a time in Canada before settling in Sydney. She carried with her a deep love of travel, family, soccer, her career with the University of New South Wales and her beloved dogs.
Eileen was passionate about leaving a bequest from her Estate to benefit First Nations children and young people to further their education. Through Cape York Partnership, that legacy will now support the next generation of young leaders from Cape York to access the education, support and pathways they need to reach their potential.
Our Cape York Leaders Program creates pathways through secondary and tertiary scholarships to leading boarding schools in Queensland and universities across Australia. For young people from remote Cape York communities, where access to high school and university is limited, these opportunities can change the course of a life.
The program supports students to continue their education, build confidence and develop the skills and qualifications they need to succeed. It also provides wrap-around support, mentoring and leadership development, helping students walk strongly in two worlds, stay connected to culture and become role models for their families and communities.
Cape York Leaders Program Manager Tamara Hunting said Eileen’s bequest would have a lasting impact.
“Eileen has invested in opportunity,” Tamara said. “It will help young people from Cape York access the education and support they need to complete school, pursue further study or employment and grow into leaders for their communities.
“A bequest like this creates a ripple of change and it will continue to open doors for students and families for years to come. These kids will make Eileen proud. I'm sure of it."
Cape York Partnership is grateful for Eileen’s generosity and for the values that shaped her final act of giving. Her legacy will live on through the young people who take up these opportunities, complete their education and contribute back to their communities.
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Your support will empower Indigenous Australians in Cape York and beyond to create positive change in their communities. Every donation, large or small, can create a ripple of change that will span generations.