From graduating from NRL Cowboys House to studying speech pathology at university, Leland Michael is taking his next steps with continued support from Cowboys Community Foundation and the Ian & Shirley Norman Foundation.
Recently, Leland joined Cowboys Community Foundation CEO Fiona Pelling and Philanthropic Partnerships and Donor Manager Catherine Spencer in Newcastle to celebrate the Ian & Shirley Norman Foundation’s fifth birthday.
The occasion marked five years of the Ian & Shirley Norman Foundation supporting organisations and young people across Australia, while providing an opportunity to reflect on what sustained, long-term investment can make possible.
For Leland, that impact is personal.
As a graduate of NRL Cowboys House, he is now studying speech pathology at James Cook University and working towards becoming one of the first House graduates to complete a tertiary qualification.
His journey reflects the purpose of the partnership between Cowboys Community Foundation and the Ian & Shirley Norman Foundation, which helps young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people navigate the transition from school into tertiary education, training, employment and independent living.
By supporting Year 13 transitions and tertiary pathways, the Ian & Shirley Norman Foundation helps Cowboys Community Foundation remain connected with graduates beyond Year 12, providing guidance and practical support as they adjust to new environments.
This support allows Cowboys Community Foundation to respond to each graduate’s individual circumstances, helping them navigate further study and remain connected to the trusted relationships established during their time at NRL Cowboys House.
NRL Cowboys House provides a home during the school term for more than 100 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander secondary students from remote and very remote communities across northern Queensland.
Since opening, every student who has remained at NRL Cowboys House through to Year 12 has graduated, with young people moving into employment, apprenticeships, traineeships and tertiary education.
For many of these young people, completing Year 12 is the beginning of an entirely new chapter. Moving away for university, starting a first job or learning to live independently can bring significant change, making continued support during this period especially valuable.
Through the support of the Ian & Shirley Norman Foundation, Leland remains connected to trusted guidance and encouragement while working towards goals shaped by his own interests and ambitions.
Cowboys Community Foundation CEO Fiona Pelling said the partnership with the Ian & Shirley Norman Foundation reflected a shared understanding that meaningful outcomes require time, trust and sustained support.
“Completing Year 12 is an incredibly important achievement, but the journey does not end when a young person finishes school,” Ms Pelling said.
“The transition into university, training, employment and independent living brings new experiences and responsibilities. Having trusted people and consistent support around a young person during that time can make an enormous difference.
“The Ian & Shirley Norman Foundation shares this belief and offers invaluable support in helping young people like Leland continue opening pathways into education, employment and independent living.”
Ian & Shirley Norman Foundation Founder and Chair Tracy Norman said it had been rewarding to see Leland grow and pursue the opportunities ahead of him.
“We’ve really enjoyed getting to know Leland and watching him grow from a shy young student into the capable and engaging person he is today,” Ms Norman said.
“It’s been a privilege to partner with NRL Cowboys House and support Leland as he takes these next steps.
“We’re incredibly pleased to see him actively pursuing his goals and embracing the opportunities ahead of him.”
Joining the Ian & Shirley Norman Foundation’s fifth birthday celebration in Newcastle gave Leland and Cowboys Community Foundation a special opportunity to represent NRL Cowboys House and share in a milestone reflecting the value of investing in young people for the long term.
Through introductions facilitated by the Ian & Shirley Norman Foundation, Cowboys Community Foundation has also connected with other philanthropic organisations, expanding opportunities to share knowledge, understand emerging needs and collaborate for greater impact.
With the Ian & Shirley Norman Foundation’s ongoing support, Cowboys Community Foundation looks forward to remaining part of NRL Cowboys House students’ journeys into life beyond school.
