Temora youths receive $46,500 in grants to follow their career dreams

The Temora and District Education Fund (TDEF) has had a record number of beneficiaries, who received a total grant of $46,500.

The TDEF was established to provide much-needed financial assistance and support to local youth to help them achieve their post-high school education, training and vocation aspirations.

TDEF president, Mayor Rick Firman, said this year’s grant presentation ceremony was an “outstanding success”.

“It was a record year for us,” Cr Firman said. “We funded 31 Temora Shire youngsters.”

“We are very proud of the numbers of the young ones, but we couldn’t do it if we didn’t have generous benefactors, grant donors, businesses, families and individuals.”

Cr Firman said helping the young members of society for their betterment was important.

“It is crucial to support them to follow their passion in what they wish to do and be willing to work hard to help themselves,” he said.

“We would like to help them. Our minimum grant was $1000 and the highest was $2500.”

Cr Firman thanked Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack and his wife Catherine for attending the presentation ceremony.

Mr McCormack said he had attended many TDEF annual presentation nights and listened to people who had received grants.

“I know what a difference they have made to many lives,” he said.

“I congratulate the Temora and District Education Fund for having the vision to invest in its young people. It really does make a difference.”

Mr McCormack said it was vital to support the aims and ambitions of young people as they were the future.

“I said to the students who received grants that I came from Marrar and became the Deputy Prime Minister of Australia, so they, too, can achieve anything they want with a bit of luck, some determination, a lot of perspiration and dedication,” he said.

” ‘You can be anything you strive for in this lucky country, the land of opportunity’, I told them.

“Your postcode will never limit your potential. I also told them to always remember their roots and the town of Temora.”

Mr McCormack said Temora was a wonderful community whose residents always came together to support each other through thick and thin.

“Whether it’s to raise money to help students go to university or TAFE, or giving families a hand up when they are down because of a health issue or some other crisis,” he said.

“It is a pleasure and an honour to represent a community which cares so much not just for their young people, but everyone in need.”

Since its inception in 2008, the TDEF has provided 334 Temora Shire youth with $436,000 in grants.

Cr Firman said to have been able to help the youths over the years meant a great deal to him.

“This effectively says to our young people the community believes in them,” he said.

Grant recipients:

• Hayden Baldry (Bachelor of Science – Physics & Mathematics, University of Wollongong)
• Charles Bent (2nd Year Certificate III in Electrical, Albury TAFE)
• Hannah Cooper (Bachelor of Psychology, University of Newcastle)
• Hayley Eccles-Derrick (2nd Year Certificate III in Childcare, Wagga Wagga TAFE)
• Emma Doyle (3rd Year Bachelor of Nutrition/Dietetics, University of Wollongong)
• Matthew Durham (Certificate IV in Construction, Wagga Wagga TAFE)
• Freya Easterbrook (2nd Year Bachelor of Education Primary, Charles Sturt University Wagga Wagga)
• Raffy Edis (2nd Year Bachelor of International Relations/Security, Australian National University Canberra)
• Carly Elwin (6th Year Master’s in International Law/Human Rights, Peace University in Costa Rica)
• Paige Harpley (2nd Year Bachelor of Nursing, Charles Sturt University Wagga Wagga)
• Adam Mayor (Certificate III in Welding, Wagga Wagga TAFE)
• Lucy Holland (2nd Year Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Education Secondary, University of Queensland)
• Sam Irvine (Certificate III in Carpentry, Wagga Wagga TAFE)
• Clarissa Muller (Bachelor of Accounting, Charles Sturt University)
• Michael Dominic Laxina (Bachelor of Engineering (Honours), University of Technology)
• Matilda McCrone (2nd Year Bachelor of Occupation Therapy, University of Canberra)
• Emily McGuirk-Scolaro (Diploma in 3D Animation/VFX, Academy of Interactive Entertainment Canberra)
• Emily McShane-Hodgkins (2nd Year Bachelor of Nursing, University of Wollongong)
• Teagan Mayor (4th Year Bachelor of Education K-12, Charles Sturt University Albury-Wodonga)
• Ashley Newton (Certificate III in Hairdressing, Wagga Wagga TAFE)
• Lucy Roberts (2nd Year Bachelor of Law & Psychology Science, University of Wollongong)
• Caitlin Schmidt (Bachelor of Physiotherapy, Charles Sturt University Albury/Wodonga)
• Braith Ruskin (2nd Year Certificate III in Construction, Wagga Wagga TAFE)
• Callum Schmidt (Certificate IV In Carpentry, Wagga Wagga TAFE)
• Jasmine Thompson (Bachelor of Nursing, Charles Sturt University Wagga Wagga)
• Heidi Schmidt (2nd Year Bachelor of Nursing, Charles Sturt University Wagga Wagga)
• Trista Thorp (Bachelor of Education K-12, Charles Sturt University Albury/Wodonga)
• Taleah Wiencke (2nd Year Bachelor of Advanced Science, Australian National University Canberra)
• Lily Walker (Bachelor of Occupational Therapy, Charles Sturt University Wagga Wagga)
• Ruby Watterson (2nd Year Bachelor of Sports Management, International School of Management)
• Emilie Weckert (Bachelor of Agriculture, Charles Sturt University Wagga Wagga)

To donate to the TDEF, click here.