The City of Playford and Marni Waiendi are proud to announce the launch of its first annual educational scholarship of $1000 for local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

The May Graham-Turner Aboriginal Education Scholarship, named after a well-known Kaurna woman, supports students towards their education at a South Australian further learning institute.

City of Playford Mayor Glenn Docherty said the scholarship aims to make starting further education a little easier.

“We hope the financial assistance breaks down some of the barriers this community finds when starting university, TAFE SA or a South Australian Registered Training Organisation (RTO),” Mayor Docherty said. “While reducing some of the financial burdens, we also hope it allows for the scholarship recipients to focus more on their education and completing their studies.”

Aboriginal and Community Development Officer, Naomi Agius, said the scholarship can be spent on any costs involved in undertaking the course and/or training.

“This includes student fees, travel expenses, equipment and software, childcare, stationery, tools, uniforms and textbooks,” Ms Agius said. “We will also put a priority on applicants who have not already completed a degree or equivalent.”

To be eligible to apply for the scholarship, applicants must reside in the City of Playford, identify as an Australian Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, and be enrolled as a full-time student at any South Australian university, a vocational training course at TAFE SA or South Australian RTO.

Applications for the May Graham Turner Aboriginal Education Scholarship closes on Friday 29 April at 5pm.

Aunty May Graham-Turner was a well-known Kaurna woman in the Playford community for her commitment to caring for others through her work at the Lyell McEwin Hospital. Aunty May brought laughter and hope to the sick and terminally ill. The scholarship is to honour Aunty May and carry on her legacy.

Her brother, Sidney George Graham, said May’s achievements during her life can inspire young Aboriginal people today.

“She was very proud of her work in the community,” Mr Graham said. “I think young people need Elders like this to look up to in our community. If I think back to my day, there was nothing like this (the scholarship) to help young students. It’s a chance to rebuild their lives and I think there will be a lot of people applying for this scholarship.”