by admin | Nov 20, 2025 | Encouragement Grants, Indigenous, NEST, Newsletter
The Out of Classroom ‘Hands on Learning’ students have been hard at work building a protective weather awning for their classes. They’ve done a great job so far while learning new skills to enhance their future employment prospects. We congratulate them and their instructing Teacher on such a great outcome.
Our committee Narooma Education Support Team (NEST) were fortunate to be awarded a grant from the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) to cover the materials and along with the donations offered by our members this project is well under way.
Our warmest congratulations to Summer, Dominica and Aunty Karen Ella-Bird (L – R). Aunty Karen has given wonderful support for these two inspiring young women as they embark on their exciting futures. Summer and Dominica (here looking vibrant and lovely in their Year 12 formal attire) were the recipients of our two Encouragement Scholarships this year. They both are taking on tertiary education in 2026.
Summer will be studying full time at Moruya TAFE Aboriginal Art and Landscaping and Design and she is looking forward to further developing her inherent giftedness in these fields. We wish her every success.
Dominica has been accepted by the University of Tasmania to study a Bachelor of Natural Environments and Conservation followed by a Master of Protected Area. Dominica is a high achiever with resilience and determination to reach her goals. We believe that she will make a great contribution to the future.
Our thanks to those donors who have contributed to these Encouragement Scholarships. Your support has been greatly appreciated and most assuredly by Summer and Dominica.
by Laurel Lloyd-Jones | Aug 31, 2025 | Encouragement Grants, NDESC, NEST
Our bi-annual Encouragement Grant (established in 2021) is primarily intended to offer support, encouragement and hope for the recipient to further their interests that are based upon a deep commitment and compassion for all of life and the natural world, through academic and creative endeavours, that align with the principles of our charity.
Our primary aim is to encourage the recipient to further develop their passion, commitment and capacity to achieve these values, and especially for those who may not otherwise be able to see these dreams realised due to their life circumstances.
We are delighted to be able to announce that our second Encouragement Scholarship of $5,000 for this year has been awarded to a Year 12 female student at Narooma High School.
Nominated by:
Mr. Joseph Harper – Deputy Principal Narooma High School &
Aunty Karen Ella-Bird – Senior Leader Community Engagement Narooma High School
This student has written a profile of her life to share with our readers and she holds the deep respect and support of the Executive Staff of Narooma High School for her amazing commitment and sense of purpose for her life.
Here are her words.
I grew up in Wagga Wagga, spending the first few years of my life growing up with my single dad. While living there, the situation was unstable and we were constantly moving, and when I was five, we moved to Dalmeny to live with my grandparents. During this time, my dad, three brothers, and I shared a single room until we found a place to rent. As I grew up, I learnt to look after my brothers – taking on a motherly role by supporting and looking after them. This was quite challenging as I was growing up myself, having to look after myself on top of that.
I’ve always felt a deep connection to the land, but it wasn’t until Year 7 that my passion for the environment truly blossomed as I learnt more about science. This has inspired me to pursue a career in environmental fields – focusing on conservation and sustainability.
I have faced hardships at home, having moved out in Year 10 when my relationship with my father fell through – and I was securing a roof over my head and was out of a home for weeks. I was in out-of-home care for almost 2 years before that relationship also fell through. Since then, I have been living back with my father, however the arrangements are still precarious.
Despite the hurdles faced, I have remained focused on my studies, with my interest in science unwavering. In Year 10, I was selected for an astrophysics immersion course at Swinburne University – my first experience with tertiary study, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I completed a research project on black holes and Hawking radiation, and upon returning to school, I had the opportunity to present my findings to the school and wider community at a formal assembly.
In Year 11, I delved into my love for science, conservation, and sustainability. I chose my careers carefully, giving me the opportunity to seek a pathway into environmental studies. Subjects aligning with this goal include Earth and Environmental Science, Biology, and Aboriginal Studies – having completed EES via distance as it wasn’t offered at my school. I have achieved highly in EES, having finished first in my cohort.
My cultural heritage has always been integral to my connection with the environment. I have been actively involved in this space at school, serving as a member of the Junior Aboriginal Consultative Group. In this role, I advocated for environmental issues within the school community, which helped me develop as a leader in environmental matters. Additionally, it has allowed me to build connects with my culture and community – who have steered me in the right direction towards my career/ life aspirations.
Next year, I hope to begin a Bachelor of Natural Environments and Conservation, followed by a Master of Protected Area Conservation at the University of Tasmania. This transition will undoubtedly bring challenges, but having overcome many obstacles before, I am confident I will meet them with resilience and determination.
We sincerely extend our warmest of congratulations to this very worthy recipient.
This kangaroo skin cloak was created by the recipient of our Encouragement Scholarship and it depicts the story of her life’s journey to this time.
A Further Appeal:
If you are feeling as inspired as we are by this young woman’s determination to achieve her life’s goals, we invite you to contribute a donation towards her studies in 2026. All donations are tax deductible and can be made to our charity’s Project Account – details below. Please send a notification via email to egstrust2@gmail.com so that our Treasurer can email your receipt to you.
Elm Grove Sanctuary Trust
BSB 032766 Account No. 139061
Reference – 2025 D. Scholarship
by Laurel Lloyd-Jones | Mar 30, 2025 | Encouragement Grants, NDESC, NEST
Our Trust board of directors was unanimous in the decision to award our 1st Encouragement Grant for 2025 to a young student at Narooma High School. We extend our congratulations to this student who was nominated by staff at Narooma High School for this Grant.
This student has suffered a turbulent and challenging life since infancy yet has remained clearly focused and determined to succeed academically. It is gratifying to see the wonderful support offered to this student from staff and counsellors. With university in mind this student takes great pride in subject work, ensuring that it is aesthetically presented while also adhering to all marking criteria and the outcomes.
A small scholarship to support the academic needs of this student, enabling a successful completion of the final year towards the HSC, will hopefully lead to a rewarding and successful future. The Class Advisor who has supported this student speaks of the great role model that this student offers through engagement in school and community activities with a generous willingness to support younger students. “A delight to have in the classroom” is the clear message from the teaching staff.
A bank account will be set up to cover primary support of this student’s educational expenses and administered by two support persons. Should anyone wish to contribute additional funds to this account – this can be done through our EGS Trust Project Account BSB 032766 Account No. 139061 with reference to ‘Student Scholarship’.
Please email us at egstrust2@gmail.com with your details so that we can send out a receipt which is tax deductible.
I thank you for your kind support and encouragement of this very impressive and worthwhile student.
Laurel Lloyd-Jones
Executive Director
Elm Grove Sanctuary Trust
by Laurel Lloyd-Jones | Oct 10, 2024 | Encouragement Grants, Indigenous
Our Trust is delighted to announce that our 2nd Encouragement Grant of $2,000 for 2024 has been awarded to Djinama Yilaga Choir which was established in 2019 as an Intergenerational Aboriginal Choir that is rematriating their Dhurga Language through song. They seek to build skills and confidence in their choir members, with a particular focus on their younger members, to support their language, music, performance skills and resilience to pursue their aspirations in music.
They have been able to support this development through public performances locally and by invitation to perform at significant events. This has included Sorry Day with the Cootamundra Girls’ Organisation, Reconciliation Day at Parliament House Canberra, 200 year anniversary of the opening of the NSW Parliament, travelled to perform and share their language in Song in Poland in 2023 and in Washington DC in July this year. They share a positive and fruitful relationship with Four Winds, the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, and other local musicians.
They recognise the importance of presentation when performing in public and particularly in prominent events, so they are currently seeking funds to enable them to create a new and unique uniform for their performances. Elm Grove Trust is very pleased to be able to award this Encouragement Grant to assist them to move a little closer to gaining their lovely new uniforms.
If others appreciate the inspiration of this lovely choir, then further donations can be made to EGS Trust in support of Djinama Yilaga Choir’s new uniforms.
EGS Project A/c: BSB 032766 A/c 139061
All donations are tax deductible – and please email your contact details to egstrust2@gmail.com for receipting purposes.
by Laurel Lloyd-Jones | Jun 17, 2024 | Encouragement Grants, Indigenous, NDESC, NEST
The first of our 2024 Encouragement Grants has been awarded to the Narooma High School Breakfast Club.
When we look at the world today, we may well ask whether it can be transformed on the global level, but with patience and steady perseverance to transform negative structures that alienate and divide, we can begin an inner revolution towards equality and justice in our world. This needs to be begun with our children within our homes and our educational systems.
Elm Grove Sanctuary Trust has worked with this aim and purpose through educational programs from its founding in 1987. Our Encouragement Grants are an expression of this commitment. We are exceedingly pleased to present the first of our 2024 Encouragement Grants of $2,000 to Shirlee-Maree Rowland on behalf of the Narooma High School ‘Breakfast Club’.
Shirlee is Head Teacher for Welfare and the Language Teacher at Narooma High School. She believes, and quotes Rita Pierson, “every child deserves a Champion Adult who understands the power of connection and insists that they become the very best that they can possibly be”. The Breakfast Club offers this support each and every day for students to enable them to begin the school day feeling loved, cared for and fed a healthy breakfast no matter their circumstances. We have also been fortunate to be able to offer a further donation of $5,000 to enable some further creative, innovative and inclusive programs for students made possible by the generosity of our Trust’s supporters.
Photo information:
Encouragement Grant awarded to Shirlee-Maree Rowland by Sr. Laurel Lloyd-Jones Exec. Director EGS Trust 17th May 2024.
by admin | Jul 9, 2023 | Encouragement Grants
Our charity, Elm Grove Sanctuary Trust, is pleased to announce that our Encouragement Grant for 2023 has been awarded to Elka Wood of Bega and her project ‘Celebration Days for Girls’.
Elka has two children and in watching them grow she recalls her own childhood and the transition from child to adult. Realising that it can be a lonely and confusing time, Elka has felt passionate about helping young people access all the information that they need, as well as the importance of face-to-face connection and the support of community during this time.
Elm Grove Sanctuary Trust is a relatively small charity that was founded back in 1983 by Franciscans, Brother Edwin Thomas Lloyd-Jones (LFSF) and Sister Laurel Clare Lloyd-Jones (LFSF). Our Trust’s annual Encouragement Grant of $2,000 is offered with the intention to support early initiatives by individuals, or groups, that offer hope for humanity through their endeavours. Especially when offering projects for young people, marginalised people, and all whose lives might be enriched through caring, especially at this time with the major challenges that face us all.
Elka Wood’s project Celebration Days for Girls focuses on the cusp of puberty (approximately 9 – 13 years) or in the early stages of transition, and the day offers a sharing circle which includes mothers, female caregivers and also older teenage mentors.
Elka describes these days, “it begins with a shared morning tea and then time without the mums when the girls are offered comprehensive period education and activities which focus on living cyclically. Then, after lunch, the girls make fresh flower crowns for when the mothers come back to crown their daughters in a small ceremony”.
“These days can create a positive experience of first menstruation and begin to untangle the menstrual taboos that leave so many who feel alone in their menstrual experience. In hearing the first period stories of a variety of older women, not just from their own mothers, this allows the girls to realise that half of the world’s population is having a menstrual cycle and that without this totally normal and feminine effort, humanity would cease to exist.”
Elka’s vision shines through in her comment “I love seeing young women empowered by their cycle and valuing themselves highly because of what their bodies can do, rather than dreading it.”
Anyone interested to know more can contact Elka by email at theovulationelk@gmail.com