SOLEIL, KATIE AND LYSHANA

Anna bradubury little arts scholarship, 2024

Congratulations to three talented Mac.Rob students who have been awarded the 2024 Anna Bradbury Little Arts Scholarship. This scholarship recognises exceptional young artists in Years 11 and 12 who are pursuing studies in visual arts, writing, theatre or music. For the first time in 2024, we expanded the scholarship across various creative fields thanks to a further generous donation from Anna's mother, Robyn Bradbury.

Lyshana Ye, who received the visual arts scholarship, said it’s “an incredible honour and a validation of my passion and dedication to the arts”. Lyshana explained that the support will allow her to explore new photographic mediums, experiment with techniques, and participate in workshops and exhibitions. “It provides me with the means to invest in quality materials, enter professional photography spaces, and engage with fellow creatives, fostering a supportive community that inspires and challenges me to grow,” she said. “The opportunity to hone in on my craft without fear is invaluable and I am forever grateful for this support. I am determined to make an impact with my work and inspire others to pursue the same.”

In the music category, Katie Hoi Ching Wong expressed how this scholarship will help cultivate her dream of performing alongside prestigious ensembles in Australia. “Receiving the music arts scholarship is an honour that allows me to push my versatility and technical proficiency,” she said. “With enhanced capabilities from new instruments, I can refine my tonal qualities, musical expression, and intonation to craft an even more vibrant performance to be shared with the community.”

Soleil Taliya Premkumar, who received the written arts scholarship, highlighted the importance of such opportunities in competitive creative industries. “Since the arts is such a competitive and scrutinised field, opportunities like the Mac.Rob Foundation's scholarships are a powerful way to legitimise and encourage our dreams of changing the world through creative means,” she said. “I look forward to the day when my book will sit in the Mac Rob library with the alumni sticker on it, beside the works of Lili Wilkinson and Alice Pung.” Since receiving the scholarship, Soleil interviewed Dr Sonja Hood AM, a distinguished leader in social cohesion and a cherished member of our School community. Through her thoughtful and insightful writing, Soleil captures Dr Hood's extraordinary journey, her commitment to inclusivity, and her powerful perspectives on community, diversity and social change.

The Mac.Rob Foundation is incredibly proud to support these three talented young artists as they pursue their passions. Congratulations again to Lyshana, Katie and Soleil - we can't wait to see what you accomplish next!