Kiama Council’s Councillor Stuart Larkins has been awarded one of the Councillor Pat Dixon Memorial Scholarships for 2024. 

Cr Larkins received the scholarship of $5,000 to support his Master of Public Policy studies at the University of Canberra.

This award supports eligible Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander students councillors and council staff in NSW, enabling them to pursue further education, professional development, or research.

“Receiving the scholarship in remembering Cr Dixon means a lot to me, as an Aboriginal councillor, continuing and paving the way for Aboriginal people who contribute to the work of local government and the community,” says Cr Larkins. 

“I believe that education and professional development are lifelong, as it does not start and end at school and I’m always trying to learn new things.” 

The annual scholarships were created in recognition of Cr Dixon, who was the first Aboriginal woman elected to local government in Australia. 

“Cr Dixon was a pioneer for Aboriginal people in local government, being elected to Armidale Council in 1983 and a Labor member,” Cr Larkins says.

The late Cr Dixon serves as an inspiration for many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, thanks to her outstanding contributions in local government. 

The goal of the scholarship is to encourage more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to pursue careers in local government and serve their communities. It also aims to provide opportunities for building technical and leadership skills, empowering participants to mentor others and promote First Nations culture within local government.

“As the first Aboriginal person elected to Kiama Council, I’ve been really pleased to advocate for local reconciliation and for greater awareness of our shared history and culture both in Kiama and along NSW South Coast,” says Cr Larkins. 

“I’m driven by a passion to help people, and I believe local government should be able to work for everyone.” 

Cr Larkins’ achievement reflects the ongoing impact of Cr Dixon’s legacy, encouraging future generations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders to pursue careers in their local governments.