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.

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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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,...
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Bruce – AVCAT Scholar

My name is Bruce, 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 electronics...

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