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.
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...
Kel-sie van Rees
While I am a little bit scared, I am also extremely excited, and knowing that I have the support of AVCAT makes me feel secure. Thank you AVCAT so much, you have helped a country kid move to the city...
Megan Beecher
By Megan Beecher My name is Megan Beecher, in 2020 I was the recipient of the AVCAT Australian War Widows NSW Scholarship. My Grandfather, Major Arthur McDermott (Grandpa Mac, as he was to my brothers and I) was a veteran,...
Bruce Paul
My name is Bruce Paul, and I am a 2019 Australian Veterans' Children Assistance Trust (AVCAT) Scholar and Long Tan Bursary recipient. My father is a Vietnam Veteran, he served in the Royal Australian Navy for nine years as an...
Ruby Dolso
By Ruby Dolso Ruby at Tolmer Falls, NT My name is Ruby Kelly Dolso, and my Grandfather, Geoffrey Kelly, is a Vietnam Veteran. He has been the most influential man in my life and has taught me so many valuable...
Thomas Hooper on NAIDOC Week
As a young Aboriginal man, NAIDOC Week has a lot of meaning for both me personally and for my family. It means coming together with those close to me and yarning about the history that surrounds us and remembering our...
Flowers of the Forest – A Remembrance Day Lament
Lone Piper at the Australian War Memorial A lone piper has been a feature of Australian memorial services since the 1920s. The Australian War Memorial holds a daily Last Post Ceremony. Each ceremony includes a lone piper descending from the...
Sitanan Petcharawan
By Sitanan Petcharawan Sitanan Petcharawan My name is Sitanan Petcharawan. I was honoured to be awarded the Long Tan Bursary, sponsored by the Australian Government Department of Veterans’ Affairs, in 2018. My uncle served in the Vietnam war as a...
Rachel Crook
By Rachel Crook Rachel Crook - first day at medical school My family has a long history of service. My great-grandfather, grandfather and father all served in Defence. My great grandfather Reg joined the Navy on the 20th June 1944...
