I was incredibly fortunate to receive my RSL Australia Scholarship… it came at a pivotal time when I was struggling financially. Receiving the scholarship was essential to ensure that I could remain studying full-time.
Jessica Baker, AVCAT Alumni
By Len Russell, CEO AVCAT
Scholars, together with their families, representatives of ex-service organisations and scholarship sponsors gathered to celebrate the 2023 Western Australian AVCAT Scholars.
Deputy Commissioner WA (actg)
We were warmly hosted at the DVA offices in Perth by Ms Helen Wauchope, DVA Assistant Secretary and Deputy Commissioner (actg) for Western Australia. Ms Wauchope presented the Long Tan Bursaries on behalf of DVA to the 2023 cohort of scholars.
Scholarship sponsors proudly awarded 2023 scholars with their scholarship certificates. We were joined by Mr Richard Williams, President of the Vietnam Veterans Association of WA, Ms Emily Cooke, President of Australian War Widows WA, and Mr James Bush, Senior Vice President of the Fleet Air Arm Association of WA.
AVCAT Alumni Jessica Baker, who began her studies with a Bachelor of Science at the University of Western Australia, spoke about her passion for study in her Alumni address. Jessica, now in her final year of a PhD at the Harry Perkins Institute, said, ‘I was incredibly fortunate to receive my RSL Australia scholarship… it came at a pivotal time when I was struggling financially. Receiving the scholarship was essential to ensure that I could remain studying full-time.’
The ceremony was especially poignant for Jessica as her sister Chenelle was awarded a 2023 Long Tan Bursary. This is a lovely way to demonstrate the commitment of AVCAT and our sponsors to supporting veteran families.
Congratulations to all our new 2023 Western Australia Scholars.
