Where Are They Now: The Impact of the bp Australia Indigenous Nationals Scholarship 

Over the last eight years, the bp Australia Indigenous Nationals Scholarship has been a catalyst for growth and empowerment, opening doors for Indigenous student-athletes in sport, study, and professional development. 

Delivered by bp Australia at the UniSport Australia (UniSport) Indigenous Nationals, the program awards two $5,000 scholarships to two Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student-athletes each year. 

Beyond financial assistance, recipients gain access to mentoring and career pathways through bp Australia, supporting their transition from university into future opportunities. These experiences help students build confidence, expand their networks, and balance the demands of sport and study. 

Mr Kieran Ryan, bp Australia’s Indigenous People Strategy Manager, reflected on how the scholarship supports Indigenous student-athletes in pursuing their goals, saying “The bp Australia Scholarship at Indigenous Nationals is about backing talented Indigenous student-athletes to succeed in sport, study and their future careers. We’re proud to support a program that recognises leadership, resilience, and connection, and to see past recipients go on to make meaningful contributions in their communities and professions. It’s a privilege to connect with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students who are genuine leaders. They show what’s possible, they open doors that haven’t always been open, and they inspire others in their communities to see themselves in places and professions where representation truly matters.” 

From 2019’s inaugural recipients Jasper John (The University of Western Australia, Bachelor of Science) and Asha Steer (The University of Melbourne, Bachelor of Environments), through to last year’s winners Lachlan Munns (The University of Queensland, Bachelor of Pharmacy) and Taleah Ugle (The University of Western Australia, Bachelor of Science) the program has helped student-athletes make significant progress both on and off the sporting field. While it provides practical support, the true value of the scholarship lies in the pathways it creates, best reflected in the experiences of recipients who have grown with the support of bp Australia. 

For 2022 scholarship awardee Quincy Ross (University of Newcastle, Bachelor of Secondary Education), the impact of the scholarship shaped a pathway grounded in community and giving back. Having gained his teaching accreditation while completing his degree, Quincy has since embarked on a career in education, focusing on supporting Aboriginal students and serving as a role model within the school community. “The bp Australia scholarship gave me confidence and belief in what I am doing. As a young Wiradjuri man, it made me feel seen and supported while balancing study, sport, and my responsibility to give back to the community,” he said.  

The scholarship proved particularly valuable during Quincy’s unpaid teaching placements, alleviating financial pressure and allowing him to focus on his development and be fully present for his students. “It helped me stay connected to mentoring and supporting students at school, which is something I’m really proud of,” he added.  

For Quincy’s fellow 2022 bp Australia scholarship recipient, Rebeka Morrison (The University of Western Australia, Bachelor of Arts) a Bibbulmun Noongar woman, she received important support throughout her academic journey. Since receiving the scholarship, Rebeka has graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and Sociology and is now undertaking her Honours, crediting the bp Australia Scholarship with helping her manage cost-of-living pressures while studying full-time.  

Graduating with First Class Honours in Construction Management, 2024 scholarship winner and Budawang man Jackson Eckford (University of Newcastle, Bachelor of Construction Management) attributed the scholarship with enabling him to balance sport and study. “The scholarship supported me not only financially but provided a sense of accomplishment as an Indigenous student-athlete. It allowed me to fully invest in my sport and studies, whilst also reducing financial stress as a university student. It made me more confident as a person and helped me strive for higher standards,” he said.  

That support translated into new opportunities in sport, with Jackson stepping into more advanced levels of competition and continuing to build his performance. “The bp Australia Scholarship provided me with the opportunity to compete in a range of competitions, helping me develop my skills, gain valuable exposure and compete against stronger athletes, including representing the Australian Indigenous team in Oztag at the Australian Invitational Challenge and attending Koori Knockout rugby league tournaments across NSW.” 

More recently, the scholarship’s impact is reflected in the experience of 2025 awardee Taleah Ugle (The University of Western Australia, Bachelor of Science) a Nyungar woman who has made significant strides in her academic journey. Last year she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Anatomy and Human Biology and Indigenous Knowledge, History and Heritage, and is now in her first year of a Doctor of Medicine. The scholarship provided vital financial support during Taleah’s final year of undergraduate study. “In my final year I had to complete nine units, and at this time I also had a part-time job. Due to the support from the bp Australia scholarship, I was able to decrease my hours and do well in all of these units,” she said. 

Across their studies, sporting achievements, and community contributions, scholarship recipients have taken different paths shaped by bp Australia’s support. From training and competition to mentoring and further study, these experiences demonstrate how access and encouragement extend beyond the classroom or sporting field.  

UniSport Australia CEO, Mark Sinderberry, highlighted the significance of Indigenous Nationals and bp Australia’s role in supporting student-athletes through the scholarship. “Indigenous Nationals is a significant event for Indigenous student-athletes, and the support of bp Australia through the Indigenous Nationals Scholarship has played an important role in strengthening that experience. The recognition it provides gives recipients the confidence to go on to make an even greater impact, and UniSport Australia greatly values bp Australia’s ongoing commitment to supporting Indigenous student-athletes,” he said. 

The bp Australia Indigenous Nationals Scholarship continues to transform the journeys of Indigenous student-athletes. By backing their ambitions on and off the field, bp Australia empowers recipients to grow and make a lasting difference in their communities. 

In 2026, two more Indigenous student-athletes will be awarded the scholarship, with bp Australia also presenting the 30th anniversary of Indigenous Nationals, hosted by The Wollotuka Institute and the University of Newcastle from 29 June – 03 July. 

Bp Australia Indigenous Nationals Scholarship Winners