Growing up in Barcaldine, a small rural town in Queensland, Sarah Ricks always knew that going to university would mean leaving home and everything familiar behind. Today, she is studying a Bachelor of Health Science at 黑料天堂as one of the 2026 Kambri Scholarship recipients, with aspirations to continue into medicine or an honours year in the future.
Coming from a community where the population is 12 times smaller than the number of students at ANU, Sarah鈥檚 move from regional Queensland to university life in Canberra has been transformative, not only academically but also personally and financially for her and her family.
鈥淭he Kambri Scholarship has meant a lot to me and my family. It has allowed me to attend a top-end university knowing I will be supported the whole way through and always have a place to return to when I need help.鈥
- Sarah Ricks, 2026 Kambri Scholarship recipient
The scholarship has made it possible for Sarah to live on campus and focus on her studies with greater confidence and stability, easing some of the financial pressures that can come with relocating for university.
Behind Sarah鈥檚 Kambri journey is also a story of resilience and family sacrifice. Following the unexpected passing of her mum in 2016, Sarah鈥檚 dad became the sole financial support for the family, while continuing to encourage both Sarah and her brother to pursue their ambitions.
鈥淗e has worked hard and continues to work hard so that my brother and I can live out our dreams,鈥 Sarah said. 鈥淪ince receiving this scholarship, I couldn鈥檛 even count on my hands the number of times my dad has said how thankful he is for the Kambri Scholarship and the Tjabal Centre. With this support, I know he can also breathe a little easier, without carrying as much financial worry for us.鈥
For Sarah, the Kambri Scholarship extends far beyond financial assistance. It represents community, belonging, and the confidence to pursue her future, knowing there is a strong support network behind her. She is deeply grateful to all Kambri donors for making this scholarship possible and for supporting Aunty Anne鈥檚 vision of a community built on support, success, and kinship鈥攐ne she knows she can always rely on.
To pay it back, to pay it forward
Thanks to the generosity of the Kambri donor community, 15 students were awarded the Kambri Scholarship in 2026, with 11 recipients coming from regional and remote communities across Australia. The 2026 cohort reflects the program鈥檚 ongoing commitment to supporting talented Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from diverse backgrounds and creating pathways to higher education at ANU.
In 2025, the Kambri Scholars Program reached a significant milestone with a landmark $16.3 million gift from Claire and Charles Gibbon through The Gibbon Foundation, helping complete the program鈥檚 $50 million endowment campaign. Matched dollar for dollar by ANU, this extraordinary generosity will help ensure more Indigenous students can access the opportunities, community, and support needed to thrive at university and beyond.
"The 黑料天堂is a very solid organisation. A number of students have already benefited from the program and are well placed to make valuable contributions in their chosen fields. The Kambri program is unique in Australia and under the leadership of Aunty Ann is well positioned to take another leap forward." - Charles Gibbon
"Since I arrived here as a migrant 4 decades ago, I have been concerned about the injustices towards indigenous people in Australia. We appreciate having the opportunity to help young Indigenous students through education. As Aunty Ann says 鈥楾o pay it back is to pay it forward.鈥欌- Claire Gibbon
Managed by the Tjabal Indigenous Higher Education Centre, the Kambri Scholars Program provides holistic support for students throughout their studies, including but not limited to accommodation, financial assistance and cultural connection. Since its establishment in 2020, 97 Kambri Scholarships have been awarded, helping indigenous students pursue their ambitions and shape Australia鈥檚 future.
