Scholarship honours LGBTQIA+ champion

Many LGBTQIA+ students in rural and regional Australia often face barriers that limit their access to and participation in higher education. In response, Charles Sturt University has demonstrated its commitment to visibility and inclusion through the new Michael Kirby Empowerment Scholarship.

The scholarship was formally launched at an online event where The Hon. Michael Kirby AC CMG and members of Charles Sturt staff shared their lived experiences of navigating higher education study, and employment, as LGBTQIA+ people. During the event live fundraising for the scholarship generated strong support for students facing their own barriers to participating in higher education.

Led by the Charles Sturt Foundation and Ally Network, these initiatives reflect our commitment to equity and equal opportunity by reducing the systemic disadvantages experienced by LGBTQIA+ students.