2026 John Koowarta Reconciliation Law Scholarship
6 December 2025
University of Wollongong student, Tiarna Williams has been selected as the 2026 John Koowarta Reconciliation Scholarship recipient.
“This scholarship was created to support and elevate an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander law student — to help strengthen their pathway into the legal profession and to honour the legacy of John Koowarta, whose determination advanced both justice and reconciliation in this country,” Law Council of Australia President-Elect, Tania Wolff said.
Ms Williams was named as the 2026 Scholarship recipient at the Law Council’s Gala Dinner held in Canberra last night. Tiarna is currently working towards obtaining a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of International Studies at the University of Wollongong.
“While the granting of this scholarship aims to encourage and inspire a student as they enter their final years of study, Tiarna has already spent more than 10 years inspiring others to pursue their own educational journeys,” Ms Wolff said.
“As a coach and mentor with the Evonne Goolagong Foundation for a decade, and an In2Uni Mentor, Tiarna has helped engage young people and open doors to the opportunities that education can provide.
“She has also demonstrated strong leadership qualities and given back as a volunteer through her work as a First Nations Advisory Group Member of Tennis NSW, a Youth Advisory Councillor to the US Consul-General, and as part of the University of Wollongong Law Students Society.
“Tiarna has undertaken exchange programs in the United Kingdom and Singapore and a legal internship at the National Justice Project and at Allens.
“We wish Tiarna well with the rest of her studies and for the continuing positive impact we can be confident she will have.”
Taking to the stage to accept the Scholarship, Ms Williams said: “I am deeply honoured to be named the recipient of the 2026 John Koowarta Reconciliation Law Scholarship. This scholarship will not only support my journey through law school, but it will also connect me to the powerful legacy of John Koowarta. I feel privileged to be able to share a connection with his courage, commitment to justice, and to our people’s rights.”
“Receiving this scholarship means more to me than financial support. It provides validation of my aspirations to practise law in a way that advances reconciliation, empowers my community, and honours those who have fought for change before me.”
Contact
Kristen Connell
T. 0400 054 227
E. kristen.connell@lawcouncil.au
Last Updated on 11/12/2025