AVCAT transforming lives through education
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.
AVCAT Scholar – Georgia Caire
I have been financially independent since I moved away from home at 18. Receiving the Long Tan Bursary has been life changing. By Georgia Caire Georgia and her Pop For personal reasons I do not have contact with my father....
Sarah Phillips on NAIDOC Week
Sarah and her children My name is Sarah Phillips, and I am an Aboriginal woman from the Gold Coast. I am in my second year of a Bachelor of Midwifery at Southern Cross University. I am a mother to four...
Kerry Hespe
I have a brain injury, but what is the use of being alive unless I continue to do my best, be my best and show my two girls that I'm not perfect, but I'll continue to improve. By Kerry Hespe...
Nicole Watson – AVCAT Scholar
‘Like many disabled scholars I refuse to let my impairments control my life, I will find other ways to make my dreams happen.’ By Nicole Watson I am incredibly humbled to be awarded the 2021 RSL Queensland Scholarship and to...
Jess Simmonds – AVCAT Scholar
I would love to become a researcher and learn more about the ways that trauma and PTSD develop; impact the brain; the body; and someone’s life. I would also love to learn and develop ways to counsel those who have...
Melinda Thomas – AVCAT Scholar
My father served as an engineer in the Australian Army for over a decade, and sadly later lost his life due to an illness developed over the course of his service overseas in Iraq. My siblings and I were raised...
Lacey Burston
By Lacey Burston Lacey Burston My grandpa (Pa) served in the Vietnam War, and his father served in World War II. To say my Pa has had a big impact on my life is an understatement. I have always had...
Madelyne Knape
My father served in the army for twelve years. We moved around a lot for his work. Many people in my family have served in the Australian Army but my father has had the biggest impact on my life. Dad...
Nicholas Meins
I can say, with confidence, that my AVCAT scholarship in its symbolic, and financial power, has given me the reach I needed to grab ahold of my dreams and aspirations. Nicholas with his grandfather Harry Meins, and family members By...
Elizabeth McDonnell
I wish to be a youth worker, I wish to use the opportunity given to me, to help young people like me through this difficult stage in their lives. For this, I would like to give my gratitude and thanks...
