Kade and Keon Dawson’s journeys demonstrate the lasting impact of opportunity, cultural connection and strong community support across education, leadership and life beyond school.
Twin brothers Kade and Keon Dawson graduated from St Andrew’s Cathedral School in 2017. Their story is a powerful reflection of what sustained opportunity can achieve, two proud Gamilaroi men whose journeys through our Schools continue to create impact well beyond the classroom.
Both brothers joined Gawura School in Year 4 in 2009, before moving into St Andrew’s Cathedral School on scholarship in Year 7. In those early years, the combination of personalised learning, cultural connection and consistent support helped them build strong foundations in literacy and numeracy as well as confidence and self-belief. Kade and Keon’s mum Sherrie White shared, that one-on-one attention ‘made a lasting difference’, enabling both boys to engage deeply with their education.
At School, each brother embraced opportunity in his own way. Keon found his voice through music and performance, stepping forward for experiences that expanded his world. He toured Europe on the St Andrew’s Cathedral School music tour in 2016 and performed at the Sydney Opera House as part of an Indigenous opera Pecan Summer, produced by Aboriginal soprano and composer Deborah Cheetham Fraillon AO. The opera received a total of nine Broadway Awards while Keon developed both his talent and his confidence singing in the chorus. These moments were great achievements; but perhaps more importantly they were stepping stones that shaped his identity and aspirations. Today, Keon has spent time working on Country and is raising a young family, grounded in culture and community.
Kade’s journey has taken him into leadership, sport and the corporate world. In 2018, he captained the Australian Under-19 Gridiron team at the International Federation of American Football World Championships in Mexico; an achievement reflecting discipline, teamwork and ambition. He went on to complete a Bachelor of Management at the University of Technology Sydney, followed by a Master of Commerce (Finance) at the University of Sydney he graduated with distinction and held recognition among the top-performing business students globally. Today, Kade works as an Investment Banking Analyst at Gresham Partners.
His achievements have been recognised through numerous awards including the prestigious David Unaipon Award presented at our Evening of Celebration and Prizegiving. Bestowed on Kade in 2022, the David Unaipon Award celebrates his contribution to community and his role as a mentor for younger Indigenous students. The award is given in honour of David Unaipon of the Ngarrindjeri people, and inspirational Indigenous leader, preacher, author and inventor who is honoured on our $50 note. David Unaipon is the grandfather of Gawura graduates Ivor (OA2011) and Izak (OA2019) Rigney-Sebastian.
Kade’s success is not only measured professionally, but also about giving back.
Both Dawson brothers have remained closely connected to Gawura School. As a secondary student, Keon regularly returned to Gawura School to support younger students, and today both continue to engage with the School community, including at events like the Gawura Gathering and NAIDOC. They stand as visible role models and are demonstrating what is possible for the next generation of First Nations students.
Their journeys are distinct, but the pattern is clear. With the right support, young people grow in confidence, pursue diverse pathways, and remain connected to community. These are not one-off stories, they reflect a proven model of long-term impact.
Kade and Keon’s story is one of strength, achievement and responsibility which shows how education can create lasting change for individuals, families and communities alike.
