VISION

Ballarat Grammar School will act to ensure that the rich and diverse Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and histories are embraced and celebrated. We will foster an enriched relationship between our whole school community and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. We will undertake the necessary actions to create a culturally safe environment for all members of the School.
(2024 Student leaders)

WORDS FROM THE HEADMASTER

Recognition that First Nations Australians are the Custodians of one of the world’s richest living cultures has long been at the heart of Ballarat Grammar.  Seeking the wisdom of Elders, past and present, and many diverse contributors, perhaps most importantly the thoughts and words of our young people, has allowed us to develop this, our second Reconciliation Action Plan.  More than just serving to highlight our commitment to reconciliation, which is an important journey, we aspire to model a celebration of Australian Cultural diversity and inclusion.  It begins with the need for every student to walk into our community feeling safe, in the knowledge that they belong and that they have ‘their people’; people who acknowledge and celebrate them for who they are. Australia’s faltering progress towards reconciliation makes the example that our community provides ever more important in providing hope and heart to Indigenous Australians and an example to all young people.  Through this Reconciliation Action Plan, and the gentle yet significant and meaningful steps that we commit to take towards reconciliation, our School strives to provide a beacon of what can be, a light of hope for the future for all Australians.

(Adam Heath)

RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN

Together with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, we have built a holistic program that supports local and non-local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. The program strives to enrich the lives of all Ballarat Grammar students and families with greater knowledge, respect, and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and languages, whilst establishing culturally safe practises throughout our community.

OUR PROGRAM

Our program focuses on Indigenous Excellence, which includes a diverse range of in-school and extracurricular activities that develop values of courage, aspiration, learning, character, belonging, future-focused and giving. To continue to provide two-way learning, growth, and respect, we investigate strategies to engage with local, State and Federal level initiatives, including training opportunities and funding which provide a sustained approach to our Indigenous Excellence Program.

INDIGENOUS SCHOLARSHIPS – EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

Thank you for your interest in attending Ballarat Grammar. A select number of Indigenous Secondary Scholarships are available based on meeting the selection criteria. Please begin by completing the Expression of Interest form here or contacting Ballarat Grammar’s Indigenous Student Coordinator, James Castles, by email [email protected].

Scholarships and support available include:

• The Bill & Sue Wood Family Scholarship
• The Vedmore Foundation
• The Smith Family’s Indigenous Youth Leadership Program (IYLP) – more information below and here

Successful applicants will be selected according to current academic progress and motivation to study, enthusiasm to contribute to their community and leadership qualities. All students at Ballarat Grammar are expected to enrich the community, with their skills, knowledge, and character.

SMITH FAMILY’S INDIGENOUS YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROGRAM 2025 – APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN

The Indigenous Youth Leadership Program (IYLP) offers scholarships and leadership opportunities to young Indigenous Australians, with a focus on Indigenous youth from communities in very remote areas of the country or regional communities.

In addition to helping Indigenous students achieve their educational aspirations, the IYLP supports the development of a pool of positive role models and future leaders, to inspire other Indigenous students. 

To be eligible for an IYLP Secondary Education Scholarship the applicant must be an Indigenous young person who has the commitment, motivation and high potential to achieve at school and to complete year 12.

Information, criteria, application forms and other details are available from The Smith Family via the 2025 IYLP Application Kit

If you have any questions about this program, please contact the IYLP Manager, Leanne Smith, by email [email protected] or telephone +61 8 8224 1402 or the Ballarat Grammar Indigenous Student Coordinator, James Castles, by email [email protected].