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 two tours in Vietnam. Subsequently, in 1970, he transitioned to Singapore, dedicating two additional years to his service. Papua New Guinea marked the culmination of my father’s service to Australia, encompassing a noteworthy span of 20 years. His efforts and commitment to his career and service to this country have made me extremely proud to call him my dad. His service to this country goes unnoticed, and I thank the Department of Veterans Affairs for showing this, by supporting me during my university studies.
Eliza Matthews
My dad has been very supportive of this process by helping me navigate the challenges of young adulthood. In my childhood, he was consistently present at my sporting events, piano recitals, and academic milestones. Even today, he makes a concerted effort to attend my football and touch football games during the seasons. He has been very mindful of supporting me in times of need and stepping back, allowing me space to grow and develop as an individual. My father is an admirable figure who embodies the principles of family, dedication, and hard work, and I aspire to uphold these values throughout my life.
The AVCAT Long Tan Bursary has profoundly benefited both me and my family. The financial relief it provides has been instrumental in allowing me to remain fully engaged with my studies while also participating in extracurricular activities.
Upon graduating from college, my father was supportive of any route and journey I decided to take. In 2022, I enrolled in a Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science degree at the University of Tasmania, aspiring to become a physiotherapist. However, like many adults, my ambitions evolved. My longstanding dream of working in healthcare remains intact, and I am profoundly grateful for the opportunities and support provided by AVCAT, which have enabled me to further my education. As I prepare to graduate this December, I am now looking forward to pursuing postgraduate studies in the field of medical imaging.
The AVCAT Long Tan Bursary has profoundly benefited both me and my family. The financial relief it provides has been instrumental in allowing me to remain fully engaged with my studies while also participating in extracurricular activities. Such opportunities would not have been feasible without the generous support of the Long Tan Bursary and the AVCAT team. Your commitment to supporting individuals and families who have served Australia is truly commendable. Thank you for your invaluable contribution.
Eliza and Senior Women’s coach, Deb Reynolds
2023 state representative game TAS VS QLD.