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.

Angela Redfern – AVCAT Alumni
I am so grateful to have received the Long Tan Bursary and thus been able to pursue a career where I can assist on the very same surgeries that were performed on my father those many years ago in Vietnam....

Nicci Thatcher – AVCAT Scholar
I live an exciting life, and that wouldn't be possible without the support of my parents. They encourage me to take every possible opportunity. I've been able to spread my wings thanks to their unconditional support. By Nicci Thatcher Nicci...

Ruby Moore – AVCAT Scholar
My goal is to work with children in the education field... I want to help students to reach their potential and set themselves up for a successful future. By Ruby Moore Ruby with her grandfather Ron This year has been...

Kathleen Vincent-Lucas – AVCAT Scholar
By Kathleen Vincent-Lucas I sit down with my father, a sheet of questions in front of me: my mind gambles on whether I should go off script, greedy with the knowledge of all the stories he can tell. When he...

Grace Hull – AVCAT Alumni
By Grace Hull I was awarded the Long Tan Bursary in 2021. I was eligible through my paternal grandfather’s service in the Australian Army during the Vietnam War. My grandfather’s time in the Army inspired my own father to join...

Taryn McCarthy – AVCAT Scholar
My dad was a very pivotal and important figure in my life, and his death hit me like a brick... I’m sharing this brief glimpse into the hurt because despite all the fears that I would never be able to...

Lucy Bancroft – AVCAT Scholar
Performing is my greatest passion and the only thing I can see myself doing for a career. I am so lucky and forever grateful to be able to pursue this dream with the help of AVCAT. By Lucy Bancroft Lucy...

Elizabeth McMahon – AVCAT Scholar
By Elizabeth McMahon Being the daughter of a veteran, I was raised with the ethos of the military, the importance of a team, and the value of working toward the betterment of the community. My name is Elizabeth, and I’m...

Sofie Gilmartin on NAIDOC Week
I am passionate about helping and caring for Aboriginal women in rural Australia. Being Aboriginal and growing up in numerous rural locations, I have a desire to return and be of service wherever I can. By Sofie Gilmartin My name...

Chloe Dean – AVCAT Scholar
By Chloe Dean Chloe, her Dad & Service Dog Bailey My name is Chloe and I am honoured to be a recipient of the Legacy Australia - John Gough Memorial Scholarship. Each ANZAC Day, I march with my Dad and...