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.
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...
Megan Beecher – AVCAT Scholar
By Megan Beecher. 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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
