AVCAT helps young people reach their potential
Stories
Showing 1-12 of 131.
Breaking barriers
By Madison Gallaway, 2021 RSL Queensland Scholar Madison and her dream job Wow what an honour to share a piece of my story here. I was raised by my two incredible parents who both served in the Royal Australian Navy - my late mum who served 8 years and my dad who served 20 years. They taught me early...
“Scholarship an instrumental impact on my success”
By Robert Doust Robert Doust 2023 Families of Veteran’s Guild Scholar My grandfather has always been one of the most influential figures in my life. To me, he was simply “Pop”, someone who loved a good debate, teased us constantly, and held firm expectations about respect and manners. As I’ve...
Support Turns Dreams into Reality
By Daisy King - Long Tan Bursary Recipient 2023 Daisy with her veteran grandfather Raymond Maclean Growing up Steve Irwin and David Attenborough were my heroes, I’ve always felt drawn to protecting our incredible planet and had dreamed of one day being a scientist of some type working within conservation....
AVCAT / Long Tan Bursary 2024 Scholar talks about her journey towards becoming a doctor
By Mary Gough Mary Gough (left) and a classmate learning to suture. I cannot even begin to put into words how appreciative I am for AVCAT and the opportunities I have gained through their support. My names is Mary Gough and thanks to AVCAT and the Department of Veterans Affairs...
A First for My Family: Education, Legacy, and the Journey to Something More as an AVCAT Scholar
By Olivia Suthers - LTB / AVCAT Alumni 2022 Graduation Day with Grandma and Grandad My Grandad, John Sanderson, retired as a Major from the Royal Australian Armoured Corps in 1993 after 26 years of service, including 13 months in Vietnam. However, beyond his titles and accomplishments, his journey has...
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...