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Helping young Indigenous people achieve their goals

We believe that education is the key to closing the gap—which is why we’re striving to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people get the best chance at year 12 attainment.

Yarlalu Thomas

2020 WA Young Australian of the Year

Yarlalu Thomas is a Nyangumarta Pitjikarli man, originally from Warralong, southeast of Port Hedland. The first in his community to complete a high-school certificate, he enrolled in a Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine (MD) at the University of Sydney.

Between his bachelor’s degree and MD, Yarlalu was awarded the inaugural Roy Hill Community Foundation Fellowship. He now works with the WA Register of Developmental Anomalies, Genetic Services WA and Cliniface, to transform genetic health care services for remote Indigenous people.
Yarlalu also works with Pilbara Faces, which aims to understand 3D facial variation of ATSI peoples to provide more accessible, quicker and non-invasive diagnosis for children with rare and genetic diseases.

The first to complete high school and later earn medical degrees at the University of Sydney. Yarlalu improves genetic health services for remote Indigenous communities, translates medical terms into Indigenous languages, and mentors Aboriginal students.

Yarlalu also launched the UNESCO-endorsed Life Languages project to translate medical terminology into ATSI languages, and indigenous languages internationally. He combines the newest scientific and medical knowledge with old and ancient wisdom.

Yarlalu also mentors and tutors Aboriginal boarding students, helping them adjust to their new lifestyle.

Ziggy Ramo

Australian Rapper

Celeste Galton

Melora noah

P&C Association President of Tagai College,

MaryAnn Bin-Sallik AO

Emeritus Professor

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Find out how you can help

Join us at the First People Project, where every contribution ignites change. Whether through mentoring, volunteering, or supporting our programs, your involvement directly empowers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth. Together, we can lift spirits and change lives. Get involved today and be part of creating a brighter future.

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Acknowledgement of Country

First People Project acknowledges the diverse and complex societies of the lands on which we live and work.

We pay our respect to the past, present and future custodians who share these lands and their ancient knowledges.

We thank First Nations peoples for their friendship and trust as we work together to enrich lives, improve health, and strengthen the future.

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The First People Project is an initiative dedicated to empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth through education, mentoring, and support, fostering resilience, independence, and success in their lives.

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