Mumbulla's education grants help make 'dreams a reality' for community

These monetary grants have been provided to help support those who are continuing their education, wanting to enhance job security, or needing assistance with their own financial security.

Mick Pryke, Mumbulla Community Foundation chairman, said the scholarships were not just a financial award, but rather a recognition of the hard work and sacrifices made by the recipients.

Since collaborating with a local private donor and colleagues at the Social Justice Advocates, Bendigo Bank has helped Mumbulla Community Foundation secure over $100,000 to support this important program.

One of the recipients was Jess Shearer, who, after working two decades for the government, decided it was time for a career change and applied for a Bachelor of Nursing.

The mum of six, said bills don't stop when you decide to study, so she was extremely thankful to be one of the lucky few to receive a 2024 education scholarship grant.

"Intensive school is at uni because we study online, so we then can't do our practical assessments each week. [Instead] we have to go [to a uni campus] and fit six subjects into three days, plus do two assessments," she said.

Jess explained how the grant helped to provide travel and accommodation due to a lack of student housing, and helped support the cost of textbooks which can be as much as $500 per trimester.

"The dream is to become a registered nurse in Emergency in Bega, plan to stay in the area, and my ultimate dream is to go into paramedics," Jess said, thankful Mumbulla Foundation was helping people make their "dreams a reality."

Another recipient was Elena Savchenko-Belsky, who was undertaking a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature.

She said due to the degree being text heavy, a lot of the grant would be going towards textbooks, printing and office supplies, and petrol for travel.

"It's been hard juggling family, study, work, but this [grant] is really significant because the cost of living is crazy at the moment," the mother of three said.

"I'm actually going to do a double major now, so it'll be English and a History major," she said.

"I would eventually like to do a Masters of Secondary Teaching. Put my passion for English Literature back into the community.

"And I want to inspire my children, because that's what it's all about."