MOUNT Gambier/Berrin local student Moo Sala Win Shew has recently been awarded a Bendigo and Adelaide Bank funded scholarship.
The scholarships, totalling $1.3 million, aim to help students make the transition from secondary to tertiary education, with a focus on regional, rural, Indigenous and and agricultural students.
The program has been running since 2007, supporting more than 1900 students to the value of $13.3 million.
A total of 227 students around Australia were awarded different scholarships, which can be used by recipients to help finance the cost of travel, accommodation, tutoring, course materials or study equipment.
Ms Shew has only lived in Australia for four years, after spending 16 years living in a refugee camp in Thailand, where she said the opportunity to study was limited.
“Moving to Australia was a whole new world for me and I was afforded a lot more opportunity when it came to my education,” Ms Shew said.
“Whilst in my English Intensive Program, my teacher organised work experience for me to explore what I want to do for my future career.
“After doing work experience in clinic and a hospital, all I wanted to be was a nurse or to work in
the healthcare industry.
“I’ve recently started my Bachelor of Public Health at the University of South Australia in Adelaide and this scholarship will be a tremendous help in my transition from Mt Gambier to the city.”
Interim chair of Bendigo and Adelaide Bank, Vicki Carter wished the successful applicants luck as they embark on a new chapter of their education.
“The Program aims to alleviate the financial burden associated with the transition to tertiary education, ensuring these bright minds can focus on their studies and future careers,” Ms Carter said.
“The winners represent a diverse array of academic pursuits, spanning health, business, education, science, the arts, and services.
“Bendigo and Adelaide Bank is immensely proud to contribute to the development of professionals in these vital fields, fostering a well-rounded and skilled workforce for the future, especially in regional and rural Australia.”
