The event brought together scholarship recipients, supporters, and Youthrive Victoria staff in a celebration of achievement and community engagement.
At the luncheon, the 2024 cohort of university and Rural Chances scholars were presented with their scholarship certificates. The 2023 Frances Awcock AM Mentoring Medal, Winsome McCaughey AO Leadership Award and Robert Knowles AO Leadership Awards were also presented to young rural people who demonstrated exemplary dedication to leadership and mentoring. The occasion served as a testament to the hard work and commitment of young people within Youthrive Victoria.
With over 40 attendees, including scholars, supporters, and special guests, the luncheon provided an opportunity for networking and building connections within the Youthrive Victoria community. Among the distinguished guests were Bob Yeates, a Director of Youthrive Victoria, along with supporters Paul James and Peter Burke, whose generous contributions have made a profound impact on the organisation’s mission.
The event unfolded as a lovely afternoon filled with friendship and meaningful conversations. Scholars had the chance to interact with each other and the Youthrive Victoria staff, fostering a sense of belonging and support within the organisation. Past scholarship recipients also shared their experiences as Youthrive Victoria alumni, speaking about how the scholarship funds and Wrap-Around Care model, including mentoring, helped them to succeed.
Reflecting on the success of the Scholars Luncheon, CEO Andrew McGuckian expressed his gratitude to all attendees for their unwavering commitment to empowering young individuals through education and opportunities. He remarked, “Events like this demonstrate the importance of community support in nurturing the next generation of changemakers. We are immensely proud of our scholars and grateful to our supporters for their continued dedication to education and rural communities.”
The Scholars Luncheon not only celebrated individual achievement but also highlighted the vital role of collaboration and mentorship in fostering success among youth. As Youthrive Victoria continues to strive towards its mission of creating opportunities for young people to thrive, a total of 34 new scholarships have been awarded in 2024.
For more information about Youthrive Victoria and its programs, please visit www.youthrivevictoria.org.au
