Lismore City Council has established an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Staff Scholarship Program in memory of the late Cory James, a young Indigenous Council employee who passed away last year.
Cory was a member of Council’s roads crew who died suddenly in October 2019. He was a proud Bundjalung/Yaegl man and is sorely missed by his family and Council colleagues, who wore black arm bands in his memory and formed a moving guard of honour at this funeral.
Announcing the Scholarship, Lismore Mayor Isaac Smith said Council believes the Cory James Memorial Scholarship is a fitting way to pay tribute to a young man who was known for his hard work and passion for improving opportunities for Indigenous people.
“Cory advocated for equality of fellow Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Council staff and held a strong vision for reconciliation based on respect, relationships and opportunities,” he said.
“Lismore City Council is very proud to offer this scholarship in memory of Cory during NAIDOC Week. We hope to encourage other young Indigenous employees to pursue education to become strong and respected young leaders like Cory.”
The Cory James Memorial Scholarship will provide $5000 annually to an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Council employee who wishes to undertake further study to support their aspiration of developing a leadership role within Council and the community.
The successful applicant will be supported with structured opportunities to shadow leaders and participate in the Senior Leadership Team Meetings to further their development.
Picture: Aunty Thelma and Lismore City Mayor Isaac Smith.
