The Australian Catholic Superannuation and Retirement Fund awarded Elyse Lenehan, a dance student from Canberra, with a YWCA (Young Women’s Christian Association) Enrichment Grant on Tuesday 28 April at the annual Round the World Breakfast event.

Elyse is a young dancer of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent who is currently studying dance at NAISDA – National Aboriginal and Islander Dance Academy in Gosford.

The award was presented at the YWCA Canberra’s Round the World Breakfast event to celebrate World YWCA Day.

World YWCA Day is recognised every year across 120 countries. The Round the World Breakfast event provides an opportunity for YWCAs to come together to honour the contributions of women leaders in their communities.

Kim Wilcke, Regional Manager of Australian Catholic Superannuation, addressed the gathering at the QT Hotel, Canberra. ‘It is an honour to help Elyse achieve her dream of attending dance school. This grant will give Elyse the opportunity to purchase a laptop and will assist with her study costs.’

‘Not only is Elyse learning a great deal about Dance she is also learning more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Culture and has become more aware of the intricate connections that exist as those in her cohort at NAISDA share this information.’

‘Elyse’s dream is to dance for Bangarra. In the meantime Elyse plans to give back to the Canberra Community by visiting ql2 Dance Studio in Braddon as a Guest Artist during the Term breaks at NAISDA.’

YWCA Canberra’s Round the World Breakfast event raises funds for the Global Power to Change Fund, which invests in the leadership development of women and girls to advance social change around the world. All further donations made during this event will go towards the YWCA Computer Club House which is based in Tuggeranong.

YWCA Canberra’s President, Kate Chipperfield announced the lucky recipients of the 2015 Great Ydeas Grants Program, which supports innovative projects led by local women.