HMEF held its first ever alumnae dinner in Sydney
On 29 August 2024, the Harding Miller Education Foundation hosted its first-ever Sydney alumnae dinner, bringing together Sydney-based alumnae for an evening of reconnections and new friendships. Held at the vibrant Italian restaurant Criniti’s in Parramatta, the dinner was attended by 16 alumnae, ranging from those who graduated as early as 2018 to more recent graduates from 2023. These alumnae are pursuing a variety of academic disciplines at five universities across Sydney, making the event an enriching blend of diverse experiences. The atmosphere was filled with lively conversations, where everyone exchanged stories about their academic journeys and life experiences. The delicious Italian meal added to the warmth of the evening, making it a memorable night for all.
This dinner represents the foundation’s ongoing commitment to maintaining a strong alumnae network that fosters meaningful relationships. As we move forward, we plan to hold more events that will offer opportunities for alumnae to learn and grow within a supportive community.
Meet Sietara (Tara) Mahshar
Meet Sietara (Tara) Mahshar
Tara commenced with the Harding Miller Scholarship program in 2018 and graduated last year. She was a high achieving student at Chifley College, Dunheved Campus. This is a school in Western Sydney with a very low socio-economic background. Her parents had limited English as they came from war-torn Afghanistan. Adapting to Australian life was hard for the family, due to their limited English and trauma they had endured as they had experienced war, upheaval and resettlement in a foreign country.
Tara was an exemplary scholar throughout the four years of the scholarship. She ended up being School Captain and Dux of her School in 2021. Tara is currently studying at the University of New South Wales and doing a Bachelor of Law, Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics.
Tara is an outstanding young women who is now mentoring students from her community. The scholarship has set Tara up for life and success.
In her words:
“I’m currently in my first year of a Bachelor of Laws/Philosophy, Politics and Economics at UNSW. Despite my degree, I have a deep connection to Education because of the HMEF scholarship. As a young woman who comes from an Afghan background, education is very dear to me and the HMEF scholarship solidified this. This scholarship has encouraged me to do great things. It has boosted my confidence which allowed me to become School Captain in Year 10 and then again in Year 12. It led me to many leadership awards and involvement in programs such as the Youth Parliament. Most importantly, it has encouraged me to use education as a way to give back to my community. I grew up in a community where students are disadvantaged. Education can really help children overcome these disadvantages and I can confidently say that, with the help of HMEF, I am an example of a student who has overcome these disadvantages and challenges in my path. Now, I work at a low-socio economic school as a COVID tutor, giving other children a chance to shine, just like HMEF helped me shine. I am hopeful that this degree will help me to continue this work in the future. I am very grateful to HMEF because without them, I would not have had the confidence to do the work I have done up until now.”
Year 9 photo
Tara now
We have shared Tara’s story because it was kind people like you that have changed her life through the Harding Miller Education Foundation. That is why we must continue to raise money to fund new scholarships so we can give high achieving girls like Tara the same opportunities. Will you help by donating now or sharing our story with colleagues, family and friends so we can continue to give worthy girls the same opportunity as Tara. We currently have 50 girls on our highly commended / waiting list for scholarships.
