By Kath Gannaway
Warburton’s Zac Gilsenan has never shied away from making his own way, and paying his own way, but he says receiving a financial scholarship last year made a huge impact on the financial burden of his first year at university.
Zac was one of four Upper Yarra students who were recipients of a Warburton & Yarra Junction Community Bank Branches Scholarship aimed at assisting academically capable and committed, but disadvantaged students from the Upper Yarra area.
To be eligible students must have been offered a place at an Australian university or college for the first time, or be attending a TAFE for the first time studying at a Diploma or Advanced Diploma level.
Zac, who is now in his second year at ACU (Australian Catholic University) doing a double degree in Commerce and Global Studies, recommended students consider applying.
“The scholarship helped me enormously, with the cost of transport to get from Warburton to the city three or four times a week, and with purchasing books,” Zac said.
He has had part-time work right through high school, and currently has a part-time job at IGA in Warburton, but said juggling the work and uni could be stressful.
“It’s hard to go to uni and to work, particularly during semesters, so the scholarship has really helped pay those extra bills that come up, and I was still able to work to pay for food and other personal expenses that came up through the year.
“That sort of help takes a bit of the stress off the financial burden of going to uni,” Zac said.
UYCE Chairperson Peter Kimberley said Upper Yarra students considering applying should check out the criteria and frequently asked questions on the website (www.upperyarra.net.au) without delay as the closing date is looming.
“The high cost associated with tertiary study can have a significant impact on a young person’s ability to further their education and some may not get the chance to achieve their academic dreams without some help.
“Supporting students towards tertiary study is part of the branches’ commitment to building a stronger Upper Yarra community,” Mr Kimberley said.
Sponsorship applications close on Friday, 27 January, 2017.
