Anarla said she was thrilled to hear that she had won the scholarship and plans to use her career in teaching to inspire other Aboriginal kids to dream big.

“I’m really looking forward to studying again to learn more and help me be an even better educator of our next generations,” Ms Moran said.

The NSW Government’s Aboriginal Early Childhood Teaching Scholarships program was introduced last year to help boost the number of Aboriginal early childhood educators with bachelor level degrees in NSW.

Scholarship recipients are also supported throughout their degree by mentoring programs facilitated by the NSW Government. With guidance and support, more highly skilled Aboriginal educators will enter the education system, making early childhood learning programs inclusive, welcoming and inspiring for young Aboriginal children.

Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall announced the scholarship at Minimbah and congratulated the local educator on being one of only 13 recipients of the Aboriginal Early Childhood Teaching Scholarship across the state. 

“This is a huge honour for Anarla and she is in exclusive company winning this scholarship – we are all very proud of her,” Mr Marshall said.

“Anarla will begin her two-year full time study of a Bachelor of Early Childhood Ediucation in July and the skills she will acquire will benefit the Minimbah students and other educators at the preschool.

“This means that Aboriginal children will see more teachers in their schools who understand their cultural background, as well as providing a more diverse teaching and learning experience for all children.”

Application for the next round of scholarships will reopen in early 2019.