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.

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...

Julia Clugston – AVCAT Alumni
I was fortunate enough to receive the AVCAT Long Tan Bursary after being encouraged to apply by my secondary school teachers. With this scholarship, I was able to see myself off to university in Melbourne to study a Bachelor of...

Sonya McDowall – AVCAT Scholar
The Long Tan Bursary has made a huge difference in easing the financial pressures of being an older student and has enabled me to continue to work towards achieving my dream. By Sonya McDowall Sonya and her hearing assistance dog...

Ryan Fletcher – AVCAT Scholar
I am proud of my Dad’s service in Vietnam, and to be awarded the Long Tan Bursary means a lot. I know my Dad, in turn, can be proud of me. By Ryan Fletcher Supplied: Ryan surrounded by members of...

Seraphina Smith – AVCAT Scholar
Although I possess an innate drive to succeed, I am also motivated by a desire to excel for my sponsor who has supported me throughout my studies and its accompanying challenges. Whilst my peers worried about job security and housing...

A Moment’s Silence
AVCAT Scholar Madelyne Reflects on Remembrance Day By Madelyne Knape Remembrance Day, the 11th day of the 11th month at the 11th hour, a day where peace finally fell over the battlefield after years of bloodshed; a day first observed...