SCHOLARSHIPS
At the 2011 annual IWD Illawarra luncheon at the Novotel Wollongong Northbeach, in front of over 400 people, the winners of the individual scholarships were announced with Cate, Kerryn and Aunty Mary’s family representatives presenting the $1,000 IWD scholarships and trophy.
Cate Stevenson’s husband Andrew Stevenson presented Georgia Luke with the Cate Stevenson IWD Scholarship for Women – At just 14 years of age, Georgia Luke has already displayed a strong desire to give back to the community and to assist those in need. An active Scout and patrol leader with the Korrahill Scout Group in Corrimal, Georgia has completed her Australian Scout Medallion; the highest badge a Scout can earn and is waiting to be awarded a certificate by NSW Governor Marie Bashir at Government House. Through her Scout group, Georgia has attended leadership programs and uses skills gained to assist her fellow Scouts and to promote the Scouts in the local community.
Georgia hopes to use the scholarship to travel to The World Jamboree in Sweden, a two week event that aims to teach Scouts cooperation, tolerance, empathy and leadership. Georgia hopes to use the skills she gains at The World Jamboree to inspire her Scout group and continue her community efforts.
Kerryn McCann’s mum Judy Hindmarsh & son Brenton McCann presented Jessica Simpson with the Kerryn McCann IWD Scholarship for Women – Jessica Simpson has competed in triathlons for the past nine years achieving both local and international success. In 2009 Jessica placed first in her category at the Half Ironman Series which earned her a spot at Ironman Australia where at the age of 19 she was the youngest competitor and placed 3rd in her category.
Unfortunately in 2009, whilst training for the World Championships in Florida, Jessica was hit by a car which fractured her pelvis and vertebrae. Hardwork, determination and six months of rehabilitation allowed Jessica to return to competition. It is therefore not hard to understand that for Jessica, her greatest achievement to date is placing 6th overall at the famous and very grueling Kona Ironman World Championship in October 2010 where she swam 3.8km, rode180kms and ran 42kms in 11 hours.
Jessica will use her scholarship money to further her passion for Triathlons.
Aunty Mary’s son Richard Davis & granddaughter Melissa Davis presented Tina McGhie with the Aunty Mary IWD Scholarship for Indigenous Women – Tina McGhie goes above and beyond to help Aboriginal families, most particularly Aboriginal children and youth. As a voluntary Board Member of Illawarra Aboriginal Corporation, Tina proactively seeks out programs to further assist those in need and is committed to forming strong networks in the local business community and Government to further the cause of local Aboriginal families.
A determined and strong Aboriginal woman, Tina gives her time to the AIME Mentoring Program, Home and Community Care and NAIDOC week events.
The scholarship money will give Tina the opportunity to support the many expenses she privately incurs while working to build and develop services to assist her community.
To download the 2012 scholarship application form, please click here. All forms must be returned by Monday, 31 October 2011.