Passion for education and Indigenous affairs motivates a bequest

The Indigenous Scholarships program has been an integral part of Abbotsleigh for almost a decade. As a school community, we are committed to helping improve the educational outcomes of our Indigenous students and we have been thoroughly enjoying this journey together.

The success of the Indigenous Scholarships program has resulted in an increase in the diversity of our school and an increased understanding of Australia’s Indigenous culture. In sharing this experience, the Indigenous Scholarships program is at the forefront of many of the Abbotsleigh Foundation’s supporters’ minds.

One such generous supporter of the Foundation is Rosemary Hoskins - President of the Marian Clarke Society. The Society is an initiative of the Abbotsleigh Foundation and is managed by a bequests committee that acknowledges and celebrates the generosity of those who have notified us that they are leaving a gift in their will to Abbotsleigh. Rosemary's upbringing and schooling left her with an enduring passion for education. The former Abbotsleigh student attended the School until 1963 during the extraordinary leadership of Headmistress Betty Archdale.

Rosemary, who now resides on the far south coast of New South Wales, has conducted many projects across Australia involving Indigenous communities.

“I have seen the tangible evidence of ancient Aboriginal habitation on our beautiful waterfront property and it is a daily reminder of the rich bounties these peoples once enjoyed, and the dignity of their ancient culture,” says Rosemary.

Through volunteer work with Indigenous children in local schools (primary and secondary) Rosemary has gained an understanding of the depth of issues we face in properly recognising and integrating Indigenous peoples into our society.

“I have been concerned and motivated in my work by the literacy level of Indigenous students that I work with, which is significantly below their non-Indigenous peers.

“When I heard about Abbotsleigh’s Indigenous Scholarships program, I was delighted to discover that I had the opportunity to make a contribution by partnering financially with the Foundation. This is especially significant to me, without children of my own. Seeing the Abbotsleigh of my older generation holding dear to its initial values, as well as the Abbotsleigh of today which provides the most up-to-date learning environment to all its students, not just for the privileged few like myself, was a significant pull for me to make a financial contribution.”

Continuing her work as a volunteer delivering literacy programs at south coast primary and high schools, Rosemary also runs a small ‘boutique’ accommodation business and has embarked on a new venture making jewellery with semi-precious stones sourced from around the world.

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