Celebrating Excellence: bp Australia Scholarships Awarded at UniSport Indigenous Nationals Opening Ceremony

Last night, on Whadjuk Noongar Boodjar land at The University of Western Australia (UWA), we proudly celebrated not only the spirit of competition but also the power of opportunity and education, as the 2025 bp Australia Scholarships were officially awarded at the UniSport Indigenous Nationals Opening Ceremony.

The scholarships were presented to Lachlan Munns (Bachelor of Pharmacy (Hons.), The University of Queensland) and Taleah Ugle (Bachelor of Science, The University of Western Australia), two outstanding student-athletes whose achievements on the field are matched by their dedication to academic success and leadership within their communities off the field.

Now in its sixth year, the bp Australia Scholarships Program continues to support the next generation of Indigenous leaders through education, sport, and personal development. Each recipient receives financial support and access to a mentorship program delivered in partnership with UniSport Australia and bp Australia. The program is designed to build confidence, grow career readiness, and strengthen cultural identity.

Mark Sinderberry, CEO of UniSport Australia, said the scholarships represent the deeper meaning of what the Indigenous Nationals are all about.

“This event is a celebration of culture, pride, and unity,” Sinderberry said. “The bp Scholarships highlight the incredible talent and leadership we see among our Indigenous student-athletes. These recipients are excelling in sport and study, and they are inspiring role models for their communities and peers.”

Kieran Ryan, Indigenous People Strategy Manager at bp, who presented the awards on the night, added that bp Australia are proud to support the UniSport Indigenous Nationals and the remarkable students who take part.

Lachlan Munns is a proud Bundjalung and Gumbaynggirr man who has provisional entry into the Doctor of Medicine program at The University of Queensland (UQ). Lachlan has contributed to Indigenous health, governance, education, and sport through roles such as Assistant Policy Officer at the Institute of Urban Indigenous Health and Rural and Indigenous Representative for the Queensland Pharmacy Students Association at UQ.

“Receiving the bp Scholarship is an incredible privilege,” Lachlan shared, “the financial support allows me to focus more on my studies and dedicate time to what I’m truly passionate about, supporting mob in the Indigenous health and policy space. I’m so grateful to bp Australia and UniSport for their support”.

Taleah Ugle is a proud Nyungar woman currently in her final year of study. Taleah has aspirations of studying her postgraduate in medicine and currently works part-time at the Kids Research Institute of Australia to ensure culturally safe and informed health resources are available for Aboriginal people. Taleah is also the co-captain of UWA’s Maaliwah team at the 2025 Indigenous Nationals.

“I’m grateful to have been awarded the bp Australia scholarship, especially knowing how talented and driven the other students at Indigenous Nationals are. Receiving this scholarship means I can ease back on extra work shifts and put more energy into my studies and wellbeing which will really set me up for future post-grad study”, shared Taleah.

The 2025 UniSport Indigenous Nationals presented by bp brings together students from universities across the country for a celebration of Indigenous culture and sport. Hosted by UWA and supported by the University of Western Australia’s School of Indigenous Studies, the event continues to grow in strength and significance each year.

UniSport Australia congratulates Lachlan Munns and Taleah Ugle on this well-deserved recognition and thanks bp Australia for their ongoing commitment to supporting Indigenous students through sport.