AVCAT helps young people reach their potential
Stories
Showing 1-12 of 126.
Jasmine Wholton – AVCAT Scholar
By Jasmine Wholton Growing up as the daughter of a veteran has shaped my values, resilience, and determination. My father's service instilled a deep respect for commitment, community, and sacrifice. These values have guided me throughout my journey, primarily as I pursue a career in veterinary science. Now entering my...
Jasmine Lakey – My story
By Jasmine Lakey. Jasmine in the classroom, holding an octopus as she prepares for dissection. I am truly honoured to be a recipient of this scholarship and am sincerely grateful to AVCAT and The Department of Veterans’ Affairs for their recognition and support. My family has a proud and longstanding...
Eliza Matthews AVCAT Scholar
By Eliza Matthews. One of my main supporters in life is my dad. He has been an influential figure in my journey for as long as I can remember and continues to support me in all aspects of life. My father’s service story begins in 1967 with his deployment on...
Jayde Down AVCAT Scholar
By Jayde Down. My dad served in Iraq, left my mum who was newly pregnant with me and came back two weeks before I was born. Growing up my younger brother and I spent a lot of time at our grandparent's house while Mum drove Dad down to his ‘head...
Dean McLachlan – AVCAT Scholar
By Dean McLachlan. I am currently a mature-aged student pursuing a Bachelor of Education. My family’s military history has always been a significant part of my life, and I feel honoured to carry on that legacy in my own way. Dean McLachlan Both of my grandparents served in the Australian...
Dr Louise O’Rance – Alumnus Speech
I am a case study of what it looks like when the quality of someone’s education is divorced from their family’s ability to pay. I wish everybody had a story like this. Dr Louise O'Rance Dr O'Rance is the Assistant Secretary, Data Management and Reporting Branch at the Department of...
Megan Beecher – AVCAT Scholar
By Megan Beecher. In 2020 I was very fortunate to be the recipient of the AVCAT Families of Veterans Guild (previously the Australian War Widows NSW) Scholarship. My Grandfather, Major Arthur McDermott (Grandpa Mac, as he was to my brothers and me) was a veteran, serving in the Australian Army...
Emma-Louise Semaan – AVCAT Alumni
Our family has been on a healing journey for many years now, which I am so proud of. We stand by each other every year and march with Dad on ANZAC DAY, this day means so much to us all. By Emma-Louise Semaan I was awarded the Long Tan Bursary in 2023....
Sarah Hughes – AVCAT Scholar
I feel so lucky to be pursuing my passions, and so grateful to AVCAT and Forestville RSL sub-Branch for their support. It means a lot to my mum as a single parent knowing that I am supported and able to continue following my ambitions away from home. Sarah and her...
Patrick Pickering – AVCAT Scholar
I have loved every minute of university. By Patrick Pickering My name is Patrick Pickering. I am 22 years old and studying law and psychology at the University of Tasmania. Patrick Pickering From a young age, my parents instilled in me a deep respect and passion for spending time in...
Charli Brand – AVCAT Scholar
When my dad was medically discharged I was selfishly relieved; it meant no threat of moving, and there was no chance of him leaving for months on end – we could be a family again. Charli Brand By Charli Brand One of the most distinct memories I have of my...
Israel Bundjuri – AVCAT Scholar
My father was so proud to hear that his son was studying at Curtin University. He never thought fighting for his country could have a positive impact on his children in enhancing their education since returning from the Vietnam War. By Israel Bundjuri Israel with his father Edward James Jarden...