A milestone gift
On Friday, 19 September 2025, СƵ (СƵ) celebrated a milestone moment – the fulfilment of a $50 million Kambri Scholars Program endowment to provide life-changing support for Indigenous students.
The achievement was made possible thanks to the generosity and continued support of the СƵ donor community. A landmark gift from Claire and Charles Gibbon through the Gibbon Foundation brought the total donations to the Kambri Scholars Program to $25 million – matched dollar for dollar by СƵ to ensure the long-term future of the program and provide the next generation of Indigenous leaders with access to a world-class university education.
The voices of Kambri Scholars
The day was marked with warmth, reflection and celebration at the Tjabal Indigenous Higher Education Centre. During a yarning session, the Gibbon family met with Kambri Scholars and heard their stories and journeys. They were joined by Aunty Anne Martin, Director of the Tjabal Centre and Professor in the Practice of Indigenous Advancement, Chancellor the Hon Julie Bishop and Interim Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Rebekah Brown. Together, they celebrated the transformative impact of community and belonging at Tjabal, and how these experiences have shaped the lives of Kambri Scholars.
Later, the wider community and foundational supporters gathered for a program of welcomes, speeches and cultural performances. Highlights included a moving performance by student Jye Hopkins, and heartfelt words of gratitude for the generosity of donors who had made the endowment possible.
Since welcoming its first cohort in 2020, the Kambri Scholars Program has supported more than 80 students with financial, academic and pastoral care through the Tjabal Centre.
Professor Aunty Anne Martin said reaching the fundraising goal will ensure support for Indigenous students at СƵ in perpetuity.
“This is about empowering the next generation of leaders. It is a powerful affirmation of all that we have worked so hard to achieve in opening the doors of СƵ to Indigenous students from every corner of the country and ensuring those doors remain open for generations to come.
“The support of our donors is a beacon of hope and a testament to what’s possible when people believe deeply in the potential of others.”
Claire Gibbon said she is delighted to see the impact the program has on the lives of Indigenous students.
“The Tjabal Centre’s ability to scale, as well as the program’s long-term structure, and inspiring leadership by Professor Anne Martin and her team strongly align with our Foundation’s values and objectives.
“Conversations with Kambri Scholars further highlighted the importance of supporting their education at СƵ. We feel privileged to be associated with the Centre and СƵ.”
The donation from the Gibbon Foundation follows a $5 million contribution from the Kambri Scholars Program Inaugural Corporate Partner, Wesfarmers Limited, in 2024.
