In 2022 Birrang partnered with Charles Sturt University to establish the Birrang Enterprise Development Company Ltd Aboriginal Scholarship, an initiative aimed at empowering Aboriginal individuals. Birrang has already offered over $675,000 to Indigenous students studying a variety of degrees at Charles Sturt University through the Birrang Scholarship over the past three years and has made a significant commitment of $1.35 million over six years to support 30 deserving Aboriginal students in their journey towards higher education.
The scholarship and its aims to help reduce barriers and provide financial assistance to Indigenous students, enabling them to achieve their tertiary education goals. By offering financial support and fostering a welcoming environment, the initiative seeks to empower these students to succeed academically and contribute to their communities. The scholarship program underscores the institution's commitment to enhancing educational access and outcomes for Indigenous Australians.
Billy O'Brien is currently studying a Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management and received the Birrang scholarship in 2023. With the financial assistance, her goal of attending university became a reality. Billy stated that "I honestly don't think I would've been able to go to university and achieve what I have so far if it wasn't for Birrang," Ms O'Brien said.
Birrang will continue to honour this commitment over the next 3 years and will continue to make strides to improve educational access and outcomes for Indigenous Australians.