Support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students face significant educational challenges, with only 68% completing Year 12 in 2021, compared to 91% of other students. These rates are even lower in remote areas, where only 38% complete Year 12, compared to 85% in major cities.

Addressing these disparities, the Wingara Student Leadership Day is organised annually for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander secondary students in NSW Independent schools. The event aims to foster leadership, celebrate cultural heritage, and support educational advancement by providing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students with opportunities to develop leadership skills and explore post-school pathways in a supportive and culturally inclusive environment.

Support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students face significant educational challenges, with only 68% completing Year 12 in 2021, compared to 91% of other students. These rates are even lower in remote areas, where only 38% complete Year 12, compared to 85% in major cities.

Addressing these disparities, the Wingara Student Leadership Day is organised annually for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander secondary students in NSW Independent schools. The event aims to foster leadership, celebrate cultural heritage, and support educational advancement by providing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students with opportunities to develop leadership skills and explore post-school pathways in a supportive and culturally inclusive environment.


Who is the AISF?

The Australian Independent Schools Fund Limited (AISF) was established in 2017 to raise funds to address the needs of disadvantaged students and their schools.

Every dollar raised by the AISF goes directly to fund its objectives; no fees or charges are involved, as all administration is handled by the Association of Independent Schools of NSW (AISNSW), which created the AISF.

Funds are distributed quickly and efficiently to students and schools in need. 

Where does AISF get its funding?

Most of AISF’s funding is from generous corporate and family donors, as well as staff in the independent school sector.

Parents and other individuals can now also make tax deductible donations to the AISF to support families with emergency relief and a range of other longer term activities designed to improve student outcomes and reduce educational disadvantage.

Who is the AISF?

The Australian Independent Schools Fund Limited (AISF) was established in 2017 to raise funds to address the needs of disadvantaged students and their schools.

Every dollar raised by the AISF goes directly to fund its objectives; no fees or charges are involved, as all administration is handled by the Association of Independent Schools of NSW (AISNSW), which created the AISF.

Funds are distributed quickly and efficiently to students and schools in need. 

Where does AISF get its funding?

Most of AISF’s funding is from generous corporate and family donors, as well as staff in the independent school sector.

Parents and other individuals can now also make tax deductible donations to the AISF to support families with emergency relief and a range of other longer term activities designed to improve student outcomes and reduce educational disadvantage.

The positive impact of your donations

“The Student Leadership Day instilled a sense of belonging and cultural connection, especially through dance and language activities. The workshops offered clear steps to achieve my goals and broadened my perspective on career pathways. This event inspired me to stay in school, and I am now on my way to achieving my HSC with a VET pathway.”

- Jayden, Student Leadership Day 2023 Participant

The positive impact of your donations

“The event gave our young people a new perspective on university. Many had disengaged from education and didn’t think they could or wanted to complete Year 10. It was wonderful to see their faces light up and confidence grow as they toured the university, met speakers, engaged in the workshops, and came away saying ‘I could do this’!”

- Andrea Cingi, Founding Principal/Director Ngaruki Gulgul Central School

The positive impact of your donations

“Attending the event last year was a transformative experience. I enjoyed learning traditional dances, hearing inspiring stories from Greg Inglis and other speakers, and participating in a fun photo challenge. The seminar deepened my connection to my culture and the day was filled with meaningful activities, inspiring stories, and moments of connection that I will cherish forever.”

- Sophia, Student Leadership Day 2023 Participant

What projects does AISF support?

Some of the projects supported by the AISF to date include:

Emergency Relief

Money has been distributed to students across schools to get them through losses and trauma related to natural disasters such as bushfires, drought and severe storms.

The Early Literacy Project

A program involving multiple initiatives to improve reading and literacy levels in dozens of disadvantaged independent schools. The project funds teachers’ professional learning, the development of learning modules and tools to support parents with decoding and home reading.

Wingara Student Leadership Day

The Wingara Student Leadership Day is a transformative annual event that nurtures leadership potential among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander secondary students in NSW Independent schools. 

Library Regeneration Program 

In partnership with Dymocks Children’s Charities, AISF supports educationally disadvantaged schools to purchase quality books for their students. To date, the program has assisted in restocking school libraries with quality literature to the value of $36,000.

Become a Sponsor

Find out how your tax-deductible contribution can make a genuine impact on the Wingara Student Leadership Day and inspire Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in NSW to re-imagine their future.

Contact Douglas Melrose-Rae, AISNSW Associate Chief Executive: Community and Member Engagement

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