MEDIA RELEASE: 2025 Leah Armstrong Scholarship Recipients Announced, Empowering First Nations Women in Economic Development

First Nations Economics (FNE), in partnership with First Nations Foundation (FNF), proudly announces Angelina Hickey and Hayley Shadforth as the recipients of the 2025 Leah Armstrong Scholarship Program.  This impactful scholarship aims to strengthen representation and leadership among First Nations women in finance, governance, and economic development, critical for driving First Nations economic prosperity and meaningful community outcomes.

Angelina Hickey, a proud Dunghutti woman, is pursuing a Master of Commerce at RMIT University in Melbourne. Angelina is dedicated to becoming a trusted professional accountant, contributing directly to First Nations economic empowerment by enhancing financial literacy, independence, and resilience within First Nations communities.

Hayley Shadforth, a Bardi and Nyikina woman from Kimberley, Western Australia, is studying for a Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Western Australia. Hayley aims to apply her knowledge by establishing strong support systems for Aboriginal-led businesses in Broome, fostering economic self-determination and community sustainability.

Ambassador Leah Armstrong emphasised the transformational nature of the scholarship program, stating:

“The Scholarship Program is a powerful enabler of change. First Nations women play important roles as leaders and knowledge holders in their families, communities and workplaces.  Investing in First Nations women opens doors for community-led prosperity, resilience, and economic self-determination.”

Associate Professor Rick Macourt, Managing Director of FNE, said:

“Supporting Angelina and Hayley underlines our commitment to developing future leaders who will drive sustainable economic development, inspire systemic change, and enhance community economic outcomes across Australia.”

Emma McCashney, Acting CEO of FNF, added:

“This scholarship is critical for creating long-term economic and social empowerment. It equips First Nations women with the education and resources required to lead transformative change within their communities.”

The Leah Armstrong Scholarship provides significant financial support, mentoring and networking opportunities, enabling recipients to excel academically and become influential leaders driving sustainable economic growth in First Nations communities nationwide.

L-R: Shaun Cumming, Elaine Jolliffe, Lucy Garner, Emma Downward, Hayley Shadforth, Leah Armstrong, Angelina Hickey, Stella de Cos, Leanne Coventry, A/Prof Rick Macourt

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.