With a warm smile and confident stride, Lachlan Harlow (OM 2013) carries a remarkable ability to put you instantly at ease.
A proud Yorta Yorta and Dja Dja Wurrung man, born and raised in Shepparton, Lachlan was an early recipient of a Melbourne Grammar First Nations Scholarship.
Revisiting the campus more than a decade later, Lachlan says the life he has now truly began during his time at Melbourne Grammar.
“I saw, pretty much straight away, how this environment would not only push me but help me to build a future that I otherwise might not have had.”
Lachlan was introduced to the School through his cousin Nathan Drummond (OM 2013) – also a First Nations student – whose mother had prompted both the boys to seek an interview when she became aware of Melbourne Grammar’s First Nations program.
“I remember Lachie was really interested and was committed very quickly after visiting the campus, which helped me make the call to enrol,” Nathan says.
Shepparton is home to one of the largest Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations in Victoria, and in 2011 – when Nathan and Lachlan came to Melbourne Grammar – only a small percentage of First Nations young people reportedly completed Year 12 across the state.
In the years since leaving school Lachlan has found his way back to his local community – helping to support a new generation attain and find education and employment.
After early-career roles in the Victorian public sector, Lachlan now works as General Manager of Projects at Ganbina, a Shepparton-based non-profit which supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people with the training and life skills needed to reach their full potential.
“Coming from a school like Melbourne Grammar, it taught me to give everything a go,” Lachlan says.
“That’s what I pass onto kids now – aim high in case you fall short. If you believe you can do something, then you’re more than halfway there.”
Lachlan knows firsthand how important this type of support can be for young people both during and after school, having been supported by Ganbina himself over the years.
“It’s giving kids that level of support all the way through,” Lachlan says.
“Acknowledging that once you finish school, that’s not the end, and helping secure opportunities for TAFE, apprenticeships and university.
“If I could offer one piece of advice, especially to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, it would be to stay connected to your roots, find support networks and celebrate who you are. It can be easy to feel out of place in a new environment, but embracing your identity brings great strength.”
If you would like to learn more about making a contribution to the School’s philanthropic priorities, or including a gift to the School in your Will, please contact:
Roni Baird
Senior Philanthropy Manager
+61 3 9865 7632
[email protected]
