Stories
The voice of the scholar is the single most important feature in assessing and realising the impact of a scholarship. We are proud of all of our scholars. Here are some their stories reflecting on their journey.
“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,...
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...
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...
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 General from the Royal Australian Armoured Corps in 1993 after 26 years of service, including 13 months in...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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....
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...
