The National Institute of Circus Arts, known as NICA, is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a special performance called Coming Home. The show runs on November 20 and 21, with a preview on November 19, at NICA's campus in Prahran. It traces the Institute's history, from a pilot project in a shed in Docklands in 1999. Alumni, trainers and current students will perform together. Every ticket sale will go to NICA's Excellence Scholarship Fund, which currently covers up to 30 per cent of tuition fees.
Up to 150 First Nations psychology students will receive support to finish their studies and build careers in mental health, backed by an $8.3 million federal investment. The program is delivered by the Westerman Jilya Institute for Indigenous Mental Health. Students will receive financial help, mentoring and professional development. Support is open to First Nations students in undergraduate or postgraduate psychology courses at accredited Australian universities, with a focus on regional communities. Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy said the aim is to strengthen culturally informed mental health care.
More than 20 leading Australian companies have supported the inaugural Mawal Leadership Program in 2026. Companies including BHP, Coles and Origin funded scholarships, while others hosted events or mentored scholars. Mawal founder and CEO Brad Welsh said the aim is to develop 10,000 Indigenous leaders and eventually produce the first Indigenous chief executive of an ASX-100 company. Applications for the second program close on November 30, and Mawal is calling for more companies to get involved.
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Charles Darwin University has committed $300,000 from a $1 million bequest to two medical scholarships for First Nations students. The bequest was left by sisters Alison Jackson and Nancy Kingsland for remote health programs. The remaining $700,000 will support other First Nations programs. This year's scholarship recipient, Heather Cubillo-Mulholland, said the support lets her study without financial stress. University leaders said donor generosity creates opportunities that would not otherwise exist for students.
Health students from the Moree, Bingara, Warialda and Collarenebri districts can apply for two scholarships before 23 October 2026. Each offers $10,000 over two years to help with rent, books and university costs. HealthWISE and the Gwydir Valley Cotton Growers Association support the Dr William Hunter Scholarship and the Healthy Communities Scholarship. Applicants must be Australian citizens living in the four districts, studying an undergraduate medical, allied health or nursing degree in its second year or above. Successful applicants must complete two rural placements, one within the eligible districts. Students can apply for both through a single application.
The Pride Business Association (NSW) has awarded $17,500 in scholarships to three LGBTQIA+ advocates. Jessica Wilcox, Cassandra Armstrong and Dean Millett will use the funds to pursue studies in mental health, governance and sexual wellbeing. The PBA Education Fund targets individuals over 30, aiming to overcome barriers like financial inequality. Wilcox focuses on youth mental health, Armstrong on inclusive governance, and Millett on rural LGBTQIA+ healthcare access. The initiative is supported by donors, corporate partners and MCC Welfare Services.
