Bendigo campus students Galou Mabior, Natalie Purves, Justin Eales and Danielle Thompson are Richard and Claire Guy Scholarship recipients.

Danielle, a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education student, said the scholarship had helped her juggle her studies with the pressures of parenting. 

“It has enabled me to focus on my studies by eliminating the additional stress of bills associated with travel to university and childcare for my youngest child while I have been attending lectures,” she said. 

The same was true for Natalie, also a full-time parent, who is studying outdoor education.

“The scholarship enabled me to purchase essential safety resources to be a competent outdoor leader, such as a group first aid kit and quality equipment, which are very expensive,” Natalie said.

In addition to studying a Bachelor of Law, Justin volunteers at a community legal centre and cares for a family member.

“Being awarded this scholarship has enabled me to focus more on studying my degree and interests in helping others in our community, which lead to part-time employment in this area being offered to me,” he said.

Galou is highly involved in the central Victorian Sudanese refugee community and is studying a Bachelor of Accounting. 

Prior to winning the scholarship, he said he found it challenging accessing learning facilities. 

“The scholarship enabled me to access the internet at home and purchased some books, saving me time and the distance to the library,” Galou said. 

Community Foundation for Central Victoria Ann Lansberry said it was the first time the scholarship pool had been split between four students.

“We are enormously privileged to work with local philanthropists Richard and Claire Guy, who have been with the Foundation since its conception, to select such worthy recipients,” she said. 

She said the scholarship pool for the 2016/17 financial year had increased from $4000 to $5000.

Applications open on December 12. 

For more on Galou’s journey, see the weekend edition of the Bendigo Advertiser.