Young leaders living in the City of Canning and the City of Melville who are making a positive impact in their community now have access to two new university scholarships.

Murdoch University, the City of Canning, and the City of Melville are proud to announce the introduction of dedicated streams of the Ngala Kwop Biddi Brighter Futures Scholarship for people aged 19 to 25 from these local government areas embarking on university studies.

The scholarship is designed for young people entering university after a minimum of twelve months post-secondary school who have demonstrated leadership, advocacy or meaningful community involvement in one of three priority areas: Sustainability, First Nations or Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.

Successful applicants will receive a $12,000 scholarship from Murdoch University, and access to leadership and development mentoring throughout their academic journey.

Murdoch University Vice Chancellor Andrew Deeks said the Ngala Kwop Biddi Brighter Futures Scholarships were the first of their kind in Western Australia, and a reflection of the University’s commitment to Sustainability; First Nations; and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.

“Social justice, environmental stewardship and inclusivity are at the heart of everything Murdoch University stands for, along with our commitment to education excellence and innovation,” Professor Deeks said.

“Starting locally and driving change in your own community is a fantastic way to make a difference and we are thrilled to be able to extend this scholarship program to changemakers in Canning and Melville.

“We extend our thanks to the City of Canning and the City of Melville for helping to deliver these new scholarships.” 

The City of Canning will provide an additional equipment grant of up to $500 to each successful City of Canning scholarship recipient, for a maximum of five recipients. The City’s contribution will help recipients buy equipment and study essentials needed to begin their academic journey, such as laptops and textbooks.

City of Canning Mayor Patrick Hall said the partnership was an opportunity to recognise young people who were already making meaningful contributions to their communities and support them to achieve their future ambitions.

“Across Canning, we have young people who are already demonstrating leadership and creating positive change through their workplaces, volunteering, advocacy and involvement in their communities,” Mayor Hall said.

“This partnership is about recognising what they have already achieved and giving them additional support to take the next step in their education.”

“We also know that the pathway to university looks different for everyone. Going to university does not have to happen immediately after Year 12, and the experiences and skills young people gain through work, volunteering and their communities can be incredibly valuable.”

“We are proud to partner with Murdoch University for the first time on this scholarship initiative and provide practical support to local recipients as they begin the next chapter of their education.”

Kimberly received a Ngala Kwop Biddi Brighter Futures Scholarship in 2025 in recognition of her First Nations leadership while at high school. Kimberley promoted Indigenous culture across NAIDOC Week, where she baked over 300 cookies using native ingredients and organised an Indigenous Yidaki (didgeridoo) performance, and is now studying Business at Murdoch.

"As a proud inaugural recipient of the Ngala Kwop Biddi Brighter Futures Scholarship I highly recommend people who are passionate in promoting sustainability, inclusivity, diversity and equity including those who raise awareness on First Nations culture to apply for this prestigious and honourable scholarship,” she said.

“This scholarship recognises and celebrates individuals who make lasting, impactful contributions to our society. Receiving this honour has profoundly encouraged and inspired me to advance sustainable, community-centred initiatives and advocate for a better and brighter future for our entire community."

City of Melville Mayor Katy Mair said the City was proud to partner with Murdoch University for the Ngala Kwop Biddi Brighter Futures Scholarship. 

 “The City of Melville values the contributions of young people to help create a vibrant, sustainable and inclusive Melville, and by supporting this new scholarship, we want to help young people who have demonstrated proactive and impactful leadership,” she said.

 “If you are demonstrating leadership, advocacy or meaningful community involvement in one of the three priority areas of Sustainability, First Nations or Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, I strongly encourage you to apply.” 

City of Melville resident Aeva Veitch was awarded a Brighter Futures Scholarship in recognition of her work across a number of sustainability projects while at high school.  

Aeva worked on a project called 'Eco Sisters', a program run by students from Year 7 to 12 to drive sustainability initiatives, including awareness events, recycling programs and a revegetation program, and is now studying Veterinary Science at Murdoch. 

“I’ve always been passionate about animal health and wellbeing, and so this scholarship has allowed me to pursue my dream of becoming a veterinarian, especially in Murdoch’s celebrated vet course,” she said.

“Through the Brighter Future’s Scholarship, I’ve been able connect with like-minded people - and by sharing my story, I hope to motivate and inspire others to take part in sustainable activities, and make a positive impact on their community.” 

Scholarship nominees must meet the university’s entry requirements for a Bachelor Degree, which can be met via Year 12 results, accredited CertIV, a university enabling pathway, or portfolio/experienced based entry.

Applicants must demonstrate proactive and impactful leadership through their contribution to their community that aligns with at least one of the scholarship’s three focus areas of Sustainability, First Nations or Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.

For full eligibility requirements, application information and closing dates, visit the Murdoch University Ngala Kwop Biddi Brighter Futures Scholarship webpage.

To find out more about course on offer at Murdoch University visit our courses page.