First Nations Economics Announces New Round of Leah Armstrong Scholarships Following Successful Inaugural Year 

First Nations Economics, in partnership with First Nations Foundation, is thrilled to announce a new round of the Leah Armstrong Scholarship program for 2025, following a successful inaugural year. This scholarship program supports First Nations women pursuing higher education in finance and business. 

The Leah Armstrong Scholarship, named in honour of trailblazing Torres Strait Islander woman and chair of First Australians Capital, Leah Armstrong, will grant two scholarships of up to $20,000 per year for three years to First Nations women pursuing full-time studies at an Australian university or tertiary education institution. 

First Nations Economics managing director Associate Professor Rick Macourt reaffirmed the scholarship’s commitment to driving sustainable transformation:

“Supporting First Nations women to excel in critical fields like finance, governance, and economics is essential for community-driven solutions. Our inaugural year demonstrated the incredible potential of these scholars to lead transformative change that benefits not just themselves, but their entire communities.” 

First Nations Foundation chief executive Phil Usher highlighted the scholarship’s broader impact.

“Education is key to self-determination. By equipping First Nations women with the tools to lead, we empower communities to take control of their futures. The Leah Armstrong Scholarship is about creating long-term economic and social value for First Nations people.” 

Desirae Kilduff, an inaugural recipient of the Leah Armstrong Scholarship, shared her experience: “This scholarship has been life changing. It has allowed me to focus on my studies and pursue my dreams without financial burden. I encourage all eligible First Nations women to apply.” 

First Nations Foundation chief executive Phil Usher emphasised the importance of the scholarship program:

“We are proud to support First Nations women in their pursuit of higher education. This scholarship program is an investment in the future of our people and our communities. We encourage all eligible women to apply.” 

Applications for the Leah Armstrong Scholarship are now open to First Nations women studying or intending to study at an Australian university or tertiary education institution. The program welcomes applicants from various disciplines, including economics, finance, business, and community governance. 

Applications open on December 20, 2024, and close on January 31, 2025. 

To learn more about the scholarship and the application process, please visit www.firstnationeconomics.com  

Gurminder Saro

Interim Chair

Associate Professor Rick Macourt is a proud, queer Gumbaynggirr man, lawyer, and economic specialist. He leads First Nations Economics as Managing Director of Strategy and Foundation and serves as Associate Dean of First Nations Strategy and Services at the University of Sydney.

With over 15 years of experience spanning government, corporate, and not-for-profit sectors, Rick is deeply committed to advancing the economic development of First Peoples. As the former Director of First Nations Expenditure and Outcomes at NSW Treasury, he spearheaded the state’s inaugural Indigenous expenditure reporting processes and established the groundbreaking First Nations budget process in 2021/22. Previously, Rick held an executive role at the Westpac Group, overseeing First Nations affairs, and has a rich history in government, monitoring, evaluation, and negotiation, with senior positions at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, City of Sydney, and Standards Australia.

Rick is a published author with Oxford University Press, a member of the First Nations Advisory Board of Siemens Australia, and a Non-Executive Director on the board of Barnardos Australia.