The Charlie Perkins Scholarship Trust is pleased to announce the 2026 Charlie Perkins Scholars.

Mahlia Garay (L) and Emma King (R) are the 2026 Charlie Perkins Scholars.

Two Charlie Perkins Scholars will commence their postgraduate journeys at the University of Oxford.

Mahlia Garay (she/her) is a proud Ngarigo and Darkinjung woman and Charlie Perkins scholar, who will undertake a Master of Public Policy at the University of Oxford. Mahlia’s studies are influenced by 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.
Emma King (she/her) is a proud Gurindji woman and Charlie Perkins scholar, who will undertake a Master of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice at the University of Oxford. Emma aims to explore criminology’s role in understanding and responding to Aboriginal women’s experiences of overincarceration and gendered violence, and support Aboriginal communities in their ongoing work to reform the criminal justice system.
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Wiradjuri woman and Aurora’s CEO, Leila Smith, said this was just the beginning:
“When we remove the barriers that stand in the way of Indigenous excellence, there is no limit to what our young people can achieve. I am incredibly proud of this year’s cohort, with scholars reflecting a real focus on driving social justice in healthcare, public policy, the legal system and international affairs. It is so powerful to see Indigenous scholars before you who have walked a similar path, and I know this impact will only deepen as we near 100 scholars who have studied abroad.”
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(L to R) Aurora Education Foundation CEO and Charlie Perkins alum, Leila Smith, 2026 Scholars Emma King and Mahlia Garay and Charlie Perkins Trust Board Member and Charlie Perkins alum, Paul Gray.