National Reconciliation Week 2025
As we mark National Reconciliation Week 2025, we reflect on the importance of amplifying First Nations voices and honouring the deep cultural knowledge and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
One inspiring example is Emma Hoskins, a Year 9 Harding Miller Education Foundation Scholarship recipient. At our Sydney Awards Presentation, Emma delivered the Acknowledgement of Country—a moment that resonated deeply with all in attendance. Her words were not only a recognition of Country, but also a reflection of her connection to it and the significance of continuing cultural traditions in modern spaces.
Emma is a proud Wiradjuri and Gamilaraay girl, born, living, and continuing her learning journey on Dharug Ngurra. Her commitment to education and culture is a reminder of the strength and potential of young First Nations women across Australia.
Emma has received several honours, including Blacktown City Council’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Young Citizen of the Year (2021), Blacktown City Council’s Young Citizen of the Year (2023), and she currently serves on their Youth Advisory Committee. She was also the 2022 NSW Department of Education Nanga Mai Outstanding All Rounder Student.
In athletics, Emma is the 2025 NSW State Champion in the 1500m Racewalk and a 2024 national bronze medalist. She topped five school subjects in 2024 and received both The Hills Sports High School’s Michelle Rowland Community Spirit Award and the Quakers Hill Little Athletics Spirit of Little Athletics Award.
This National Reconciliation Week, we honour students like Emma, who embody the spirit of reconciliation through leadership, learning, and cultural pride. Their voices are vital as we walk together toward a more just, equitable, and united Australia.
National Reconciliation Week: A Personal Connection
As we observe National Reconciliation Week, Stephanie’s journey underscores the importance of education, cultural understanding, and community support in bridging divides. Her story is a powerful reminder of the potential within First Nation youth and the collective responsibility to foster an inclusive and respectful society.
Stephanie Towers is an inspiring young leader whose achievements reflect her dedication to academic excellence, cultural heritage, and community service. As a alumna of the Harding Miller Education Foundation (HMEF), she exemplifies the transformative impact of education and mentorship.
Academic Excellence and Leadership
Stephanie graduated as the 2024 Dux of Bremer State High School, receiving over 25 awards, including the QATSIF Young Indigenous Leader Award, Science & Mathematics John Reath Memorial Prize, and the Ampol Best All Rounder Award.
Now, as a first-year Biomedical Science (Medicine Pathway) student at UniSQ, she holds one of only four 2025 UniSQ Greenwood-Tomkys Scholarships in Health, with conditional entry into UQ’s Doctor of Medicine. Stephanie aspires to become a Paediatric Neurosurgeon and continues to inspire others as a Dance Teacher, combining her passions for science, medicine and the arts.
Breaking Barriers in Medicine
Stephanie has made history as the first, First Nations student accepted into the University of Southern Queensland’s Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences (Medicine Pathway) program. This milestone not only marks a personal achievement but also paves the way for greater First Nation representation in the medical field.
Cultural Advocacy and Community Engagement
Passionate about her heritage, Stephanie choreographed multiple NAIDOC Week dances throughout high school. She was also involved in Bremer SHS’s Aboriginal Dance Troupe throughout high school, in which they performed First Nation dances for many different events, honouring Indigenous culture and fostering community pride. She also played a pivotal role in participating in the HMEF Brisbane Awards ceremony with fellow HMEF alumnae, featuring a fireside chat with Annabelle Chaplain AM.
Stephanie Towers’ achievements are a beacon of hope and a call to action for greater inclusion and support for Indigenous students. Her path from applying for a Harding Miller scholarship to being a trailblazer in medicine and cultural advocacy exemplifies the profound impact of education, mentorship and opportunity.
Awards Season Has Begun at HMEF HQ! Our first stop…Melbourne!
We had the joy of celebrating 68 incredible Year 9 scholars from Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
The day was packed with inspiration, learning and meaningful connections!
Highlights of the event included:
- Hosted by our dynamic alumnae Chloe McCormick & Makayla Witte, with Dawnellen Batkin leading a powerful fireside chat.
- Fireside Chat Guest: The brilliant Dr Ranjana Srivastava OAM—oncologist, award-winning writer, and recipient of the Medal of the Order of Australia.
- Workshop: The incredible Annelise McCarthy, whose session on confidence & public speaking left a lasting impact.
- Entertainment: A breathtaking performance by the Australian Girls Choir.
A Massive Thank You To:
- Our founders, Kim Harding & Irene Miller, for their unwavering support.
- Our generous donors who help make these scholarships possible.
- Our passionate volunteer coaches who guide and support our scholars.
- And our amazing Harding Miller team for pulling off such a fantastic event!
This is just the beginning – stay tuned for more awards season celebrations!
What a night to remember in Brisbane!
Celebrating 60 Outstanding Year 9 Scholars from Queensland and the Northern Territory
We were thrilled to celebrate 60 incredible Year 9 scholars from Queensland and the Northern Territory as they received the Harding Miller Education Foundation Scholarship!
The event was held at the stunning State Library of Queensland, which was buzzing with energy and pride as families, supporters, and community members came together to honour these bright young women.
The evening was beautifully hosted by alumnae Stephanie Towers, Jasmine Davis, and Hannah Daley, and commenced with a moving Welcome to Country by Songwoman Maroochy—setting a respectful and inspiring tone for the night.
One of the highlights of the event was a powerful fireside chat with Annabelle Chaplain AM, a trailblazing leader in finance, infrastructure, and the arts. Her insights left a lasting impression on all in attendance.
We were also treated to a stunning musical performance by the Australian Girls Choir, adding a joyful and uplifting atmosphere to the evening.
This special celebration was made possible by:
- Our founders, Kim Harding OAM and Irene Miller
- Our generous donors, especially the Quinn Femelle Foundation, represented by Lola Quinn
- Our dedicated volunteer coaches
- And the incredible Harding Miller team, whose hard work and passion brought the event to life
Here’s to empowering the next generation of girls through education!
A Big Day for Our Harding Miller Scholars in NSW & ACT!
An Inspiring and Fun-Filled Awards Day for Our NSW and ACT Scholars
We had the pleasure of hosting an inspiring and fun-filled awards day for our NSW and ACT scholars, celebrating their achievements and building lasting connections within our community.
The day began with a series of team-building activities, helping scholars connect and feel part of a new and supportive environment. From colouring, LEGO, and a university information station, to the classic “Guess How Many Jelly Beans” game – the morning was all about building bonds and having fun. Scholars were delighted with festive treats and raffle prizes, adding extra excitement to the start of the day.
After an information session with Lauren and Veronica, scholars took part in a highly competitive game of Kahoot, testing their new-found knowledge of the Foundation and various elements of the scholarship.
A panel discussion with alumnae featured empowering conversations around their experiences in the program and beyond. Scholars gained valuable insights on navigating their education, the importance of emotional support, and how to make the most of their scholarships.
The afternoon came alive with a high-energy workshop led by Playwave, sparking lively debates (pineapple on pizza – yes or no?) and games that had everyone laughing and connecting. The arrival of volunteer coaches led to meaningful conversations and the start of supportive relationships that will help scholars thrive in high school.
As the day transitioned, we welcomed parents, suppliers, donors, and special guests for a reception ahead of the formal part of the program—our awards ceremony.
We are incredibly fortunate to have such a talented pool of alumnae, as demonstrated by Sietara Mahshar and Zelda Truong, who served as MCs for the evening. They shared personal stories and guided us seamlessly through the program.
In a heartfelt moment, Emma, a Year 9 Wiradjuri and Gamilaraay scholar from The Hills Sports High School, delivered the Acknowledgement of Country, setting a powerful and respectful tone for the evening.
We were honoured to welcome Murat Dizdar PSM, Secretary of the NSW Department of Education, who shared reflections on the transformative role of education in his own life.
The Arts Unit delivered a series of incredible performances, including:
- A powerful solo by Maryana, a self-taught vocalist
- A moving self-choreographed dance by the NSW Public Schools Aboriginal Dance Company Events Troupe
- A high-energy preview from the School Spectacular, featuring “E.S.P.E.C.T.”
The evening’s Fireside Chat brought alumnae Sapphire and Khawlah into conversation with Karen Canfell AC FAHMS, a leading cancer epidemiologist. She shared her non-linear career journey, highlighting the power of perseverance and the importance of finding your passion.
We extend a huge thank you to our visionary founders, Kim Harding OAM and Irene Miller, our generous donors, and the dedicated Harding Miller team who made the day unforgettable.
Your support transforms lives.
Want to empower high-potential girls through education? Get in touch.
Harding Miller scholar Lilly’s Japan visit
Harding Miller scholar Lilly recently had the incredible opportunity to travel to Japan as part of the Premier’s ANZAC Student Tour. Over ten unforgettable days, Lilly was immersed into Japanese culture, connected with Japanese students, met atomic bomb survivors, and with her peers, held their own ANZAC ceremonies—an experience both powerful and deeply moving.
In addition to learning about Japanese history, Lilly had the opportunity to share a piece of Australian culture by teaching local students how to play Spotto!
One of the most meaningful aspects of the trip for Lilly was her visit to Goko Senior High School in Kure, a city of great historical significance. It was there, after connecting with local students, that Lilly and her peers initiated Penpals for Peace — a student-led cultural exchange project aimed at fostering international understanding and reconciliation through letter writing.
For Lilly, this moment brought history to life. Having researched Gordon and Cherry Parker — an Australian soldier and his Japanese wife, whose relationship symbolised a turning point in post-war reconciliation — walking through the very city where their story began was incredibly moving. It was a moment of reflection on how far Australia and Japan have come, and how young people today can carry that legacy forward.
A visit to the Tokyo Raids Museum on the final day of the tour had a profound impact. Listening to a survivor’s firsthand account and seeing the personal stories behind one of the most destructive air raids in history reminded Lilly of the far-reaching cost of war — and the ongoing need for peace in our world today.
Returning home, Lilly shared how this journey reshaped her perspective. What once felt like distant history now feels deeply personal. She has found a renewed connection to the ANZAC legacy and a stronger sense of purpose, inspired to work towards a more peaceful and united world — values that align closely with the mission of the Harding Miller Education Foundation.
Here is a link to an ABCPerth radio interview
Harding Miller’s Enrichment Program recognises the benefits of both online learning as well as in-person experiences and we encourage our scholars to take advantage of opportunities like this study tour to expand their horizons
HMEF celebrates International Women’s Day
As the world celebrated International Women’s Day, we at Harding Miller Education Foundation took the opportunity to highlight the stories of some of our inspiring team members, from volunteer coach, Felicity Kean, to Lauren Shouldice who runs our comprehensive and engaging Enrichment Program and Bathsheba Sein, a member of our alumnae who now works in our office.
We were also thrilled to enjoy the hospitality of some of our supporters as they celebrated IWD, starting with EY where our alumnae heard about the impressive career of Kellie Blackall who has tackled multiple challenges as she has paved the way for women in tech and Harding Miller volunteer coach Iryna Filonsteva who was born in Ukraine and whose passion for teaching has led her to work in schools across multiple countries.
Unfortunately, ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred meant that Inception Marketing’s IWD lunch was postponed. Another of our high-achieving alumnae, Stephanie, and Louise were going to address the tech audience. Our thoughts are with those impacted by Alfred and we hope that the recovery is swift.
At Sydney Airport, we joined staff from all areas of the airport to hear from Sydney Airport CEO Scott Charlton and board member, Margaret Staib Air Vice Marshal AM whose ground-breaking achievements had all of us in awe of her strength, courage, compassion and achievements. Two of our remarkable alumnae, Khawlah and Zelda, joined Louise as they talked about the scholarship program and the impact it has had on their educational journeys so far.
Gwen and Emily, two of our alumnae, attended the International Women’s Day lunch hosted by Amazon at the stunning Royal Botanical Gardens in Sydney. The event featured an afternoon of insightful discussions and inspiring speeches. Janet Menzies, Country Manager at Amazon, led the fireside chat, while Patricia Routledge, Head of Communications at IKEA ANZ, was the keynote speaker. The event celebrated leadership and offered a fresh perspective to empower the next generation of women leaders.
Kim, Irene, Cara, Louise and two long-term volunteer coaches attended the All About Women ‘festival’ at the Sydney Opera House where they were treated to a feminist roast, interviews and panel discussions on topics as diverse and, at times, confronting as reproductive rights, menopause and dealing with grief.
At Harding Miller, we are always working towards empowering young women and International Women’s Day (Week!) was a wonderful opportunity for all of us to be inspired and challenged to #Accelerate (even more) Action.
Felicity Kean: Celebrating a decade of coaching young scholars
As a volunteer coach with the Harding Miller Foundation, I have the privilege of supporting young women on their journey through high school and towards university. My passion for this work stems from my own experiences—I did not complete high school, and while I thoroughly enjoyed my career as a travel consultant, I know firsthand how education can open doors to opportunities that may otherwise seem out of reach.
The Harding Miller Foundation provides scholarships to high-potential girls from disadvantaged backgrounds, ensuring they have the tools they need to excel. These scholarships, valued at $20,000 over four years, include essentials such as a laptop, internet access, tutoring and expenses for school uniforms and textbooks. Most importantly, they come with the guidance of a personal coach who walks alongside them throughout their high school journey. This mentoring relationship is invaluable, fostering confidence and resilience in our scholars.
The foundation started in 2016 with just 80 students and I was fortunate to be involved from the beginning. Today, the program has expanded tremendously, with a network of dedicated coaches supporting hundreds of young women across Australia. Over the years, I have gradually reduced my number of students to 12, allowing me to focus more deeply on each scholar.
As a coach, my role goes beyond academic support. It is about offering encouragement, a listening ear and helping these young women believe in their potential. Many scholars come to us shy and uncertain, but through the years, we see them grow into confident, ambitious individuals ready to take on university and beyond. I have witnessed students overcome incredible adversity. I remember a young woman who, after living in multiple refuges in the country, made the brave decision to relocate to the city to complete her education. She lived above a garage of a distant relative, worked to buy her own food and studied in the library until closing time. Her determination and resilience were humbling, and it reinforced the importance of our work.
The most rewarding moment of the year is just before Christmas when we call the successful applicants to share the news of their scholarship. The reactions range from joyful tears to excited squeals of disbelief. It is a moment that reminds me why I do this work—it is the best Christmas present a family can receive. And of course, the ultimate reward is seeing these scholars achieve their goals, secure university placements and step into a future they once only dreamed of.
Beyond my work with the foundation, I am a wife, mother and grandmother. My husband, John, and I are fortunate to have our whole family living in Sydney, and we cherish our time together. We share a love for travel, both within Australia and overseas, and I have also developed a passion for Bridge in recent years. We have had four beloved dogs over 45 years and now enjoy looking after our son’s cavoodle, Frankie and a beautiful golden retriever, Nelson.
Volunteering with the Harding Miller Foundation fits seamlessly into my life, allowing me to connect with scholars through calls, texts and emails at times convenient for both of us. Even when traveling I find ways to maintain contact. It is a wonderful way to give back to society, and I encourage anyone with patience, kindness and a desire to support young women to consider becoming a coach.
My message to our scholars is simple: embrace education, nurture curiosity and develop resilience. Reading and learning will not only empower you but also help break down ignorance and intolerance. With determination and the right support, the future is yours to shape.
Class of 2024 High Achieving Scholars
The Harding Miller Education Foundation is incredibly proud to celebrate the hard work, dedication and brilliance of all the Class of 2024 students who have achieved excellence this year.
Out of 63 Harding Miller scholars who sat their HSC this year, 21 scholars have been named Distinguished Achievers. Distinguished Achievers are awarded to students who achieved results in the highest band for one or more courses. Our warmest congratulations go out to these scholars who earned a place on the 2024 list:
| Scholar Name | School | Subject |
| Allie | Prairiewood High School | English Advanced English Extension 1 English Extension 2 Visual Arts |
| Amelia | Chifley College Senior Campus | Community and Family Studies |
| Annabelle | Hurlstone Agricultural High School | Agriculture |
| Audrey | Prairiewood High School | PDHPE Retail Services Examination |
| Britney | Prairiewood High School | Business Studies English Advanced English Extension 1 English Extension 2 Legal Studies Modern History History Extension |
| Eileen | Sydney Girls High School | Mathematics Extension 1 |
| Ema | Endeavour Sports High School | Mathematics Advanced |
| Esther | Dubbo College Senior Campus | Mathematics Standard 2 |
| Fatemeh | Kooringal High School | Ancient History Modern History History Extension |
| Hayley | Wauchope High School | Mathematics Advanced |
| Jessica | Prairiewood High School | Visual Arts |
| Kate | Hunter River High School | Mathematics Standard 2 |
| Katie | The Jannali High School | Society and Culture |
| Kitana | Cabramatta High School | Visual Arts |
| Kobi | Inverell High School | Ancient History English Extension 1 History Extension |
| Lily | Nambucca Heads High School | Community and Family Studies |
| Lydia | Burwood Girls High School | Italian Beginners |
| Mali | Dubbo College Senior Campus | Hospitality Examination |
| Maxine | Concord High School | Mathematics Standard 2 |
| Nhi | Penrith Selective High School | English Advanced Mathematics Extension 1 |
| Scarlett | Smiths Hill High School | Drama |
In addition, Britney has also been recognised as a All-round Achiever for achieving the highest possible band in 10 or more units in their current pattern of study.
We also want to recognise our Victorian scholars who have earned a place on the 2024 VCE Honour Roll. They are among the fourteen Harding Miller scholars in Victoria who completed their VCE in 2024. Students on the VCE Honour Roll are those who received a score of 40 or above and are in the top 9 per cent of a subject’s cohort.
| Scholar Name | School | Subject |
| Alessandrea | Victoria University Secondary College | English Philosophy |
| Chloe | Melbourne Girls’ College | English Language Environmental Science |
| Isabel | Ashwood High School | Art Making and Exhibiting English Psychology |
| Olivia | Mount Waverley Secondary College | Legal Studies |
Among 32 Harding Miller scholars who took their QCE in 2024, two scholars have made it to the Queensland Certificate of Academic Commendation 2024. Students on the commendation list are those who achieve an A in at least six general subjects. We congratulate Emmalise and Hamna for their remarkable results.
| Scholar Name | School | Subject |
| Emmalise | Goondiwindi State High School | Health Biology Chemistry Mathematical Methods Visual Art English |
| Hamna | Mansfield State High School | Mathematical Methods Economics Physics Legal Studies Literature Chemistry |
Let’s give a round of applause to these future leaders, innovators and changemakers who make us all so proud. Your achievements are a testament to the power of perseverance and excellence. We can’t wait to see all the amazing things you’ll continue to accomplish!
HMEF teams up with Combine Air for the second time
On 31 August 2024, the Harding Miller Education Foundation was part of an exciting fundraising event organised by Combine Air that brought together supporters and friends of the foundation. Held at the Cat & Fiddle Hotel in Balmain, this was the second time we have teamed up with Combine Air to raise vital funds for our scholarship program. Guests enjoyed a wonderful evening featuring a delicious selection of food and drinks, along with engaging entertainment that kept the energy high throughout the night. One of the most exciting parts of the night was the silent auction, which featured fantastic items including jewellery, Colgate gift packs, and even an infrared sauna.
Our Class of 2022 alumnae, Sabah Swade, attended the event to share her experience and how the scholarship supported her education journey. After graduating from Menai High School in 2022, Sabah is studying a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Sydney. She is currently in her 2nd year, majoring in Psychology and Education. Sabah was the Western Sydney Women’s Award Finalist in 2022. She was also awarded the E12 Scholarship and the Future Innovators Award from the University of Sydney.
The event raised $5,350 which will go towards supporting high potential girls in the community. The funds will help these bright young women unlock their potential. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the amazing team at Combine Air for their hard work and dedication organising this memorable event.
