Mahlia Garay
Master of Public Policy
Jesus College, Oxford 2026 Charlie Perkins Scholar 2026 Chevening Scholar 2022 Aurora UK Study Tour |
As I reflect on the legacy of Charlie Perkins and what that means to me as a young Koori woman, I see Charlie Perkins as someone I aspire to be ... I will walk in the footsteps of our leaders and create an innovative path forward for Australia's child protection sector. |
Mahlia is a proud Ngarigo and Darkinjung woman currently living on Gadigal land. She graduated with a
Bachelor of Arts and Social Work (Honours Class I) from the University of Sydney in 2024 and was
awarded the Sister Alison Bush Medal in 2025 in recognition of her academic excellence
and contributions to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Mahlia brings a deep passion for and strong cultural responsibility to advancing the rights, wellbeing,
and self-determination of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people. Her work
and aspirations are shaped by a particular focus on the impacts of child protection systems
on children and families, and the urgent need for system reform led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander voices, knowledges and solutions.
In undertaking a Master of Public Policy at the University of Oxford, Mahlia aims to strengthen her
policy capability to contribute to systemic change in the design and implementation of policy affecting
the care, wellbeing and livelihoods of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people.
She is committed to embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander worldviews into policy
frameworks and promoting the rights of children and young people.
Bachelor of Arts and Social Work (Honours Class I) from the University of Sydney in 2024 and was
awarded the Sister Alison Bush Medal in 2025 in recognition of her academic excellence
and contributions to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Mahlia brings a deep passion for and strong cultural responsibility to advancing the rights, wellbeing,
and self-determination of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people. Her work
and aspirations are shaped by a particular focus on the impacts of child protection systems
on children and families, and the urgent need for system reform led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander voices, knowledges and solutions.
In undertaking a Master of Public Policy at the University of Oxford, Mahlia aims to strengthen her
policy capability to contribute to systemic change in the design and implementation of policy affecting
the care, wellbeing and livelihoods of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people.
She is committed to embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander worldviews into policy
frameworks and promoting the rights of children and young people.