Aspiring Aboriginal teachers awarded 2025 Bob Hawke scholarships
Two former public school students and aspiring teachers are the recipients of a prestigious scholarship to help them complete their qualifications, with Charlize Manado and Shaye Skraha awarded the Bob Hawke Aboriginal Teacher Scholarship for 2025.
The Scholarship is awarded annually to two prospective Aboriginal secondary teachers to support them to complete their teaching qualification.
Scholarship to complete teaching qualification
Charlize Manado completed secondary school at Geraldton Senior High School in 2020 and is currently enrolled in a Bachelor of Education (Secondary) at CQ University Australia – Geraldton University Centre.
Shaye Skraha is a Larrakia woman from the Danggalaba (crocodile) clan, Garamilla, also known as Darwin in the Northern Territory. Shaye is living and studying on Wadjuk Noongar Boodja and completed secondary school at Bunbury Senior High School in 2020.
Shaye has completed a Bachelor of Sports Sciences and Exercise and Health at the University of Western Australia and is currently enrolled in a Master of Teaching (Secondary) at the University of Western Australia, which she is expected to complete in mid-2026.
Aim to increase Aboriginal teachers in WA
“This scholarship has helped aspiring Aboriginal teachers with their qualifications since 2020 and I’m pleased the 2025 recipients will also benefit as they progress toward their teaching careers,” Education Minister Sabine Winton said.
“I want to congratulate Charlize and Shaye on this outstanding achievement. They will undoubtedly be incredible teachers who will help inspire Western Australian students.”
The scholarship is named in honour of former Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke’s support of Indigenous rights and his vision for a fair and inclusive Australia.
The aim of the scholarship is to increase the number of Aboriginal secondary teachers in Western Australia to ensure schools are culturally responsive environments.
