Current University Scholars
Tiahna Friend
2023 University Scholar
| Tiahna Friend is an exceptional community leader, with a passion for developing skills in the young people she works with. Additionally, Tiahna has proven her commitment to her studies, approaching them with a consistent work ethic, enthusiasm and a positive attitude, which has seen her excel academically.
While Tiahna has loved her rural education, she acknowledges the disparity of education opportunities between the country and city. Now having completed VCE, and the rural chapter of her education, Tiahna intends to study a Bachelor of Nursing. |
||
Close
Orlando Dabner
2023 University Scholar
Orlando Dabner was Dux of Woodmans Hill Secondary College, Ballarat. He is studying a double honours degree in Law and Engineering at Monash University.
Close
Friend Kighoma
2023 University Scholar
Friend Kighoma attended Wodonga Senior Secondary College and has shared her story on ABC Heywire. She is now studying Communications at Deakin College in Burwood.
Close
Berenice Walsh
2023 University Scholar
Berenice Walsh is an exceptional community leader whose contribution to both the school and local community are to be commended. Despite the challenges of the last few years, Berenice has continued to demonstrate her outstanding leadership abilities as College Captain and a founding member of the North Central LLEN’s Youth Advisory Group.
Additionally, Berenice has proven her commitment to her studies, and has worked diligently to excel academically.
Now having completed VCE, and the rural chapter of her education, Berenice intends to study a Bachelor of Biomedicine.
Close
Angelina Mason
2023 University Scholar
Angelina was a highly regarded student leader within her school and balanced her schooling with part-time work and involvement within the music and performance scene in the local community. In Year 10 Angelina was chosen to be one of the leaders of multicultural inclusion. She was also House Vice Captain and House Captain. She is a duty manager at work and was a strong contributor at our recent Young Rural Leaders program.
Now having completed VCE, Angelina has enrolled in a Bachelor of Science and her goal is to become a doctor. Angelina, intends to return to a regional area to give back to the community. With her consistent involvement within the community, Angelina sees the need for highly trained and community minded individuals to provide a broad ranging support in the medical field in a regional area. She is keen to contribute to a rural community in a practical way and through supporting local businesses, events and organisations.
Close
Conor Pall
2022 University Scholar
| Conor grew up in Mildura and was the vice-captain of Mildura Senior College in 2021. He has won numerous awards including a Dante Alighieri Italian Poetry award, College Spirit Award, a Performing Arts award and was the Dux of Business Management and English at Mildura Senior College in 2020. He was also the recipient of the Community Sprit Scholarship at TLC.
Conor is the first member of his family to attend university to study Bachelor of Social Work and has a ‘never give up’ attitude. He was a member of the Mildura Youth Parliament team for 2021, and organised Mildura’s School ‘Strike4Climate’ in May 2021. He also attends and volunteers at his local Youth Group (CHOSEN Youth). He prioritises home and school responsibilities with working part time. Growing up in Mildura, he has a strong sense of community and a desire to advocate for social change to improve the lives of rural and regional Victorians – more specifically the youth of regional Victoria and has a passion for human rights. |
||
Close
Jasmine Van Der Molen
2022 University Scholar
 |
Tameka Lougoon |
|
| Tameka grew up in Bendigo and attended Bendigo Senior Secondary College. She is currently studying a Bachelor of Design and a Bachelor of Information Technology at Monash University. In the future she hopes to help provide knowledge and empower those who are restricted due to factors such as location, socio-economic status and gender. Tameka is passionate about advocating for an equal society for all. | ||
Close
Chloe Jones
2022 University Scholar
| During her primary and secondary school years, Chloe was supported by Ganbina. It was here that she was accepted into a leadership program that presented her with many opportunities, including traveling around Australia and local areas, to learn about leadership from a variety of groups and organisations. Through this experience, Chloe developed exceptional leadership skills, which she has since demonstrated by hosting awards nights and speaking at various meetings and conferences within her community.
Chloe is a hard working, compassionate and resilient community leader. She currently operates a small business providing educational services based on Indigenous Australian culture and contemporary Indigenous art. Chloe runs workshops within her community that cater to a range of age groups. She works closely with her local Indigenous art gallery and recently led the development of an impressive mural. Chloe plans to complete a Bachelor of Arts at Monash University. After she has completed her studies, she will use her skills to expand her business and offer more services and support to her community. Chloe is also passionate about supporting Indigenous youth and hopes to assist them in gaining access to skills, education, and building their confidence to be great leaders within their communities. |
||
Close
Sarsha Layton
2022 University Scholar
 |
Kayla Walker |
|
| Kayla is originally from Stawell and is studying a Bachelor of Early Childhood and Education (Birth to Five Years) at Australian Catholic University. Kayla had the amazing opportunity to represent her local community and Australia in 2018 at a summer camp in Bejing and has spent time volunteering at a specialist school. After helping raise two disabled siblings, this year she has also become a mental health advocate. With a strong passion for the provision of more services for rural and regional towns to support young people, families and people who have disabilities access essential services, Kayla is also dedicated to helping inspire young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to focus on their educational dreams and to not give up or let anything get in their way! | ||
Close
Victoria Biggs
2022 University Scholar
Close
John Nghiem
2022 University Scholar
| John grew up in Mildura and is looking forward to commencing his Bachelor of Science/Master of Teaching (Secondary) at Deakin Burwood. John is an avid learner and has a positive influence amongst his peers. He was School Captain at Trinity Lutheran College (TLC) in Year 6 and again in Year 10. He was also the School Captain in Year 12 at Mildura Senior College and extensively involved in the Student Representative Council and in all aspects of the community.
He was the captain of multiple sport teams such as volleyball and soccer and participated and represented his school in numerous sports. John volunteered his time to referee games for his local volleyball association. He also volunteered at school events such as Deutschfest, Open Day, various fundraisers, ANZAC day memorial service, and musical productions. He has also put his hand up to lead group projects and was nominated to lead his group in Sydney’s Urban Challenge and took an active role in Australian Business Week. John received the Australian Defence Force Long Tan Leadership and Teamwork Award for his demonstrated leadership and teamwork within his school and broader local community. He is self-driven and self-directed and like many people his age, juggles many commitments, school, sport, friends and family. John believes that teachers have the job to shape future generations. His goal is to become a great teacher and role model who inspires others and motivates them to reach their full potential. |
||
Close
Tameka Lougoon
2021 University Scholar
|
Tameka Lougoon |
|
| Tameka grew up in Bendigo and attended Bendigo Senior Secondary College. She is currently studying a Bachelor of Design and a Bachelor of Information Technology at Monash University. In the future she hopes to help provide knowledge and empower those who are restricted due to factors such as location, socio-economic status and gender. Tameka is passionate about advocating for an equal society for all. | ||
Close
Amelia Hunt
2020 University Scholar
 |
Amelia Hunt |
|
| Amelia Hunt is from Bendigo and she is currently studying a Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Global Studies at Australian Catholic University. Amelia is passionate about helping people, particularly those that may be disadvantaged in some way. She grew up in a low socio-economic area and this had a major impact on her goal of helping people that don’t have control over their situation and need support. She was a leader of the local youth group that aimed to provide support and opportunities for the youth in her area, she was also a member of the Student Leadership Team at Bendigo Senior Secondary College which helped her to develop some leadership skills and learn how to solve problems. Amelia hopes to work in either Human Rights or Environmental Law in the future. However, she would be happy to work in any role that enables her to work in these areas. She is hoping that her studies will help her to learn about the current global issues and develop the skills to fix them. | ||
Close
Emily Brown
2020 University Scholar
 |
Emily Brown |
|
| Emily Brown is from Bendigo where she attended Catherine McCauley College. She is studying a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care at Box Hill Institute to be followed by a degree in early childhood education or a degree in acting. Emily is a creative, inspiring and devoted community leader with a passion for rural and regional communities and an ambition to support young people overcome their disadvantage. In school, Emily held many leadership roles including participating in the Student Representative Council and as College Captain. Her community spirit saw her act in the Nexus Youth Theatre and Bendigo Youth Theatre productions, play and volunteer at her local netball club and help run the youth-group. She was also a member of the cultural exposure trips to the Northern Territory, Indonesia and Samoa. In these community activities Emily developed her passion for supporting the culture and vitality of rural communities and empowering the people who reside there. | ||
Close
Matthew O’Flynn
2021 University Scholar
 |
Matthew O’Flynn |
|
Close
Corey-James Jackson
2020 University Scholar
 |
Corey-James Jackson |
|
| Corey is from Yackandandah and is studying a Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Melbourne. Corey attended Beechworth Secondary College where he became a role model within his school and broader community and demonstrated resilience, perseverance and a continually positive outlook on life. He is an exceptional leader, passionate about rural communities, and an advocate for Aboriginal people. Dedicated to his studies, Corey was successfully nominated for the prestigious Kwong-Lee Dow Young Scholars program in 2016. In 2019, he was also awarded the Department of Health and Human Services’ Kids Under Cover scholarship for his academic achievements. In 2019 Corey spoke at the Victorian Regional Aboriginal Education Forum, on the lack of Aboriginal students successfully completing VCE. He also attended Regional Forums to discuss regional students and how they are performing to a lower standard than kids in the city. He understands and hopes to address the obstacles that regional students and Aboriginal people face to complete and excel in their education. After completing his degree, Corey plans to return to a community similar to his home and support Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal regional students to succeed in their education and life.
|
||
Close
Amber Dennis
2020 University Scholar
 |
Amber Dennis |
|
| Amber is from Smythesdale and she attended Phoenix College in Sebastapol. She is a compassionate and generous community volunteer, and a strong advocate for science and science communication. Amber has been a recipient of the Jenni Jamieson Memorial Science Scholarship in recognition of her passion for science and future aspirations to work in science. She has also attended the National Youth Science Forum in Canberra. She is now studying a Bachelor of Medical Science at Deakin University, Geelong. Amber is passionate about helping people who aren’t able to do so for themselves. Her dream is to go into medical research once she graduates so she can find ways to make someone’s life just that little bit easier. Amber believes that being happy is the best feeling anyone can feel, and she wants that for everyone. | ||
Close
Raihana Hashimi
2020 University Scholar
 |
Raihana Hashimi |
|
| Raihana is from Mildura and commenced her studies in Science at Monash University with plans to move into engineering. Raihana is an energetic, compassionate and articulate community leader and brings a positive attitude towards challenges. She is a passionate advocate for student voice and students from culturally diverse backgrounds. Raihana was a student representative for the Mallee region and Mildura Senior College at the Minister of Education’s Expert Advisory Panel into Regional and Rural education. She represented the Sunraysia Mallee Ethnic Community Council raising awareness of diverse youth and culture through community events and projects. | ||
Close
Lacie Pridan
2020 University Scholar
 |
Lacie Pridan |
|
| Lacie attended Stawell College and she is now at RMIT studying Biomedical Engineering. Lacie is an accomplished and empathetic community leader who inspires others. She has a strong background of volunteering including as Assistant Coach for younger athletes at the Grampians Calisthenics College. Lacie has been a recipient of the Lions Youth of the Year Program Club Winner and Public Speaking Awards and was a member of the Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholars Program for the University of Melbourne. In the future she hopes her study of medicine will allow her to contribute to improving the availability and quality of local medical services in rural and regional Victoria and would like to mentor and inspire other young regional people to pursue their educational ambitions and life’s opportunities. | ||
Close
Klodi Ward
2019 University Scholar
 |
Klodi Ward |
|
| As a former Mansfield Secondary College student, Klodi demonstrated her leadership capacity and commitment to her local community. Klodi was elected as a Mansfield Secondary College prefect in 2018, helping to raise funds for fruit trees and helping to organise the schools ‘clean up Australia day’, while also taking on the role of peer mentor. In her early high school years, Klodi took part in the 6 week ‘Victorian young leaders to China’ program, where she broadened her leadership skills. Klodi is currently pursuing her dream of becoming a midwife, and she is an active participant in the Youthrive Victoria mentoring program. After graduating from Nursing / Midwifery at La Trobe University Bendigo, Klodi plans to return to her local community knowing that there is a shortage of rural health professionals. | ||
Close
Marwa Ahmed
2019 University Scholar
 |
Marwa Ahmed |
|
| Marwa is passionate about her local community and has been dedicated to achieve her goal of a tertiary education. As a Shepparton High School student, Marwa gained skills in public speaking with the Greater Shepparton Youth Leadership Program ‘Future Voices’ and has been involved in Word and Mouth, Relay for Life, the Police Youth Committee and many more community activities. Marwa has volunteered for various local organisations, helping to plan and run fundraising events, while also being an advocate for young people to live active, healthy lives. Marwa was also a passionate leader and female McGuire College Captain in 2018, excelling in her studies and contributing to various sporting teams. She was also a generous contributor to the Youthrive Victoria Young Rural Leaders Program in January 2019. After graduating from Biomedicine at LaTrobe University Bundoora, Marwa plans to return to her local community as a qualified health professional. | ||
Close
Julia Clugston
2019 University Scholar
 |
Julia Clugston |
|
| Julia has embraced every opportunity to be involved within her school and the Stawell community. As a former Stawell Secondary College student, Julia was a member and captain of many sporting teams and has taken on leadership roles in the school, such as form captain and vice-school captain. Julia has built on her skills with each new position and approaches leadership roles with thoughtful understanding, enthusiasm, and motivation. She has been involved in a wide range of community activities ranging from tree-planting to many local performances. Julia has commenced a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Journalism and Professional Writing and Editing, at Swinburne University Hawthorn with the dream of becoming a Journalist. She is well on the way to achieving her goal to work in a rural newspaper or magazine, where she can share her passion for the environment and understanding of rural life. Julia has been an enthusiastic participant in the Youthrive Victoria leadership and mentoring programs and she is part of the Dream Seeds® workshop presentation team. | ||
Close
Elissa Jess
2019 University Scholar
 |
Elissa Jess |
|
| Growing up on a farm, Elissa has always understood the importance of helping. She has a strong moral conscience and a willingness to contribute in both her school environment and in her local community. While studying at Stawell Secondary College, Elissa actively took on responsibility and leadership roles to help her peers, her family and the wider community. She has played sport in various country towns and has volunteered her time to help local groups such as the North Grampians Landcare Group and Stawell Women’s Advocacy Group. Elissa was an enthusiastic participant in the Youthrive Victoria Young Rural Leaders Program in January 2019. She has commenced her Bachelor of Arts/Health Sciences at LaTrobe University Bundoora and is now pursuing her dream of becoming a health professional in her local community, knowing that access to adequate health care in rural and regional areas is often challenging. | ||
Close
Tayyebah Ali
2019 University Scholar
 |
Tayyebah Ali |
|
| Tayyebah is a strong leader who is committed to strengthening regional communities. As a Shepparton High School student, Tayyebah took part in BEACON ambassador program, which involved leadership training, planning and hosting public events with her peers to address youth issues within the local community. Tayyebah is a committed young woman, who has also volunteered and organized fundraisers for various charities by selling baked goods and seeking donations. Tayyebah has also enjoyed participating in programs at Goulburn Valley Health where she has gained valuable hands-on experience working with hospital staff and patients. Experiences such as this have made her even more determined to become a doctor and give back to her rural community. After graduating from Biomedicine at Monash University Clayton, Tayyebah plans to return to her local community as a rural health professional and become a mentor and role model for other young people. | ||
Close
Former University Scholars
2019
- Marwa Ahmed – Shepparton – Biomedicine – LaTrobe University Bundoora
- Tayyebah Ali – Shepparton – Biomedicine – Monash University Clayton
- Julia Clugston – Stawell – B Arts Journalism/Professional Writing & Editing Swinburne University Hawthorn
- Elissa Jess – Stawell – B Arts/ Health Sciences, Latrobe University Bundoora
- Klodi Ward – Mansfield – B Nursing & Midwifery, La Trobe University Bendigo
2018
- Jakalyn Cooper – Warrnambool – B Sci – University of Melbourne
- Joe Collins – Tyrell – B Ag/Tech – Latrobe University
2017
- Phillip Panagiotaros – Mildura – B Mech Eng/B Sci – Monash University
- Georgia Lee – Birchip – B Physiotherapy – Latrobe University
- Leon Polychronopoulos – Bendigo – B Pharmacy – Monash University
2016
- Laura Bland – Yarram – B Sci – University of Melbourne
- Shanika Jones – Valencia Creek – B Nursing – Deakin University
- Georgia Rokicki – Upper Yarra – B Arts – Deakin University
- Mitch Collins – Stawell – B Law/B International Studies – Deakin University
2015
- Claire Oakley – Portland – B Sci/B Ed – Federation University
- Whitney James – Benalla – B Biomed – Monash
- Charmarelle McCarroll – Mortlake – B Biomed – ACU Melbourne
- Jennifer Moss – Tatyoon – B Psych – Federation University
- Kate Maddern – Kaniva – BScAdv (Global Challenges) – Monash
- Jarvis Holt – Kurraca – B Comms (Media) – Swinburne
- Nicholas Young – Warrnambool – BA/LLB – Monash
2014
- Sharon Robinson – Beechworth – B Ed Spec Ed – Latrobe
- Hussain Alamein – Shepparton – B Biomed – University of Melbourne
- Annika Miesen – Bacchus Marsh – BHPE- Federation University
- Laura Dixon – Horsham – B Com – Deakin
2013
- Jake Bray-Butler – Bright – MB BS – Monash
- Molly Watchorn – Ballarat – B Sci – University of Melbourne
- Anna Farrelly-Rosch – Morrisons – B Biomed – University of Melbourne
2012
- Cassandra Roberts – Manangatang – BHS MSW – LaTrobe
- Jacob Chacko – Benalla – B Sci/LLB – Monash
- Stuart Lloyd – Edenhope – B Comp Sci – Monash
2011
- Roy Hammond-Thomas – Trafalgar – BA – University of Melbourne
- Courtney Boyd – Ouyen – BHS M Physio – LaTrobe
- Rachael Tharratt – Lurg – BA – University of Melbourne
Rural Chances Vocational Scholars
2022
- Jake Beggs – Welding Fabrication
- Shayla Carlson – Animal Studies
- Taylah Clements – Community Service
- Gillian Jessup – Early Learning
- Tristan Roberts – Mechanics
- Karly Robinson – Nursing
- Tarneisha Ryan – Early Childhood
- Georgie Simpson – Animal & Pet Grooming
- Zoe Smith – Nursing
- Dylan Watson – Photography
- Sydnei Wright – Nursing
- Amber Zuidema – Baking
2021
- William Parry – Information, Digital Media & Technology
- Paw Eh Nee – Education Support
- Jayden Lawrence – Personal Training
- Dylan Jenkins – Information, Digital Media & Technology
- Paw Ku Htee – Nursing
- Travis Dunkley – Cabinet Making
- Caitlyn Anderson – Photography & Photo Editing
- Liam Price – CCNA/CCNP/CCIE Certificates and Training
- Abby MacDonald – Agribusiness Management
- Rebecca Flack – Nursing
- Sophie Holt – Horticulture
- Paris Linares-Spillman – Commercial Cookery & Patisserie
- Keelan Perry – Diesel Mechanics
2020
- Liaqat Ahmadi – Business Administration
- Riley Atkinson – Electrotechnology, Electrician
- Tameka Bickford – Photography
- Jedd Bynon – Engineering, Fitter
- Jade Canfield – Graphic Design
- Shauna Cox – Early Childhood Education and Care
- Flynn Grace – Engineering, Fabrication
- Isabella Grace – Agribusiness, Farming
- Nathaniel Holmes-Brown – Carpentry
- Julia Hunt – Early Childhood Education and Care
- Carly Isaac – Plumbing
- Charlotte Lawler – Agribusiness, Farming
- Teale Mott – Beauty Therapy
- Siahna Newland – Event Management
- Charles Patullo – Carpentry
- Thomas Pollard – Automotive
- Miranda Rose – Agribusiness, Farming
- Levi Sims – Shearing
- Maxwell Stavely – Automotive
- Luke Stephensen – Automotive
- Koby Westerland – Electrotechnology, Electrician
- Bahlin Wishart
2019
- Asha Tuohey – Veterinary Nursing
- Britney Robinson – Commercial Cookery
- Caitlyn Anderson – Photography
- Drew McClelland – Engineering / Fabrication
- Emily Hill – Accounting
- Emily Barnes – Commercial Cookery
- Kayde Taylor – Health Services
- Mathew Thompson – Plumbing
- Mikayla Barwick – Dental Assisting
- Nathaniel Holmes-Brown – Building
- Jake Flavel – Electrotechnology
- Jamielee Kurth – Plumbing
- Tahlia Beecroft – Accounting & Bookkeeping
- Madeleine Kinghorn – Health Practices
2018
- Alexander Newling – Automotive
- Amber Finch – Interior Decoration
- Evan Dorrington – Building
- Grace Simpson – Plumbing
- Jordan Gee – Construction
- Kaelen Suggate – Aeroskills
- Nick Read – Auto-Mechanics
- Regan Hill – Collision Repair
- Rhordan Holt – Mechanical Engineering
- Siobhan Daws – Justice
2017
- Alice Maddern – Individual Support
- Maddy Andrew – Animal Studies
- Allie Gorman – Commercial Cookery
- Emily McErvale – Agribusiness
- Katelyn McPherson – Agribusiness
- Blake Hardingham – Information Technology
- Pearce Watling – Agriculture
