AVCAT helps young people reach their potential
Stories
Showing 1-12 of 122.
Dean McLachlan – AVCAT Scholar
By Dean McLachlan Dean McLachlan My name is Dean McLachlan, and 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. Both of...
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 Megan at her graduation 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...
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...
Jacob Erieau – AVCAT Scholar
Sometimes the most extraordinary thing you can do is be part of healing your family and trying to do better than those who came before you. By Jacob Erieau Jacob (centre) with grandparents Dorothy & 'Pa' Geoffrey Yeomans My grandfather Geoffrey, who we affectionately call Pa, served two years in...
Caitlin Gauci – AVCAT Alumni
My TLC scholarship showed me that AVCAT had a deeper intention than just ‘transforming lives through education’. They were also going to do it with compassion and support. By Caitlin Gauci Caitlin Gauci with the Governor General & Mrs Hurley I received my AVCAT scholarship in 2013 – fresh out...
Portia Yates – AVCAT Scholar
It is a true privilege to be recognised by AVCAT and TPI NSW, and I will forever be a grateful recipient of this scholarship. By Portia Yates Larry, Portia (centre) & Marie Yates My name is Portia Yates; I am 20 years old and in my final year of a...
Annabel Jellett – AVCAT Scholar
There is no courage in suffering in silence. Real strength is facing your own vulnerability and realising the importance of human connection. By Annabel Jellett Annabel Jellett I don’t know how to write about my life without sounding lofty, or pretentious. Being a medical student, and a psychiatrist wannabe, makes...