Our generous donor community – and some of our students whose lives they’ve improved through scholarships and bursaries – came together at the inaugural Moreton Bay Celebration of Philanthropy on 26 September.
It was an opportunity for UniSC staff, including UniSC Vice-Chancellor and President, Helen Bartlett, to acknowledge the important contributions of our donors, and the impact their giving has made on our students, research, and the wider community.
One of the students in attendance was Racheal Thurlow, a 44-year-old single-mum of five, who is studying a Bachelor of Nursing Science at UniSC. As a recipient of the 2023 Community Bank Samford Scholarship – which gives three annual scholarships of $5k each to mature aged students, providing financial assistance to offset the costs associated with tertiary study – Rachael spoke at the event to directly thank those who’ve helped to support her journey.
“After 20 years of prioritising motherhood, I decided upon a new career path, to become a registered nurse and possibly a midwife,” Rachael said.
Having never finished Year 12, Rachael took a tertiary prep course through UniSC to gain an entry score. After finishing the six-month full-time course while juggling work and family, she received high distinctions for every subject and a GPA of 7. It’s this enthusiastic “quest for learning” which Rachael said continues to motivate her through her degree.
“The wonderful gift of your scholarship will enable me to maintain my focus on my learning,” Rachael told donors at the event.
“Last year was a tough adjustment for me, becoming a single mum, maintaining the house, working and uni. However, I am a problem-solver, a capable woman, and a role model to those who look my way. It made me so happy to read that I was selected, it will alleviate some stress for my year ahead… I want you to know how very much it is appreciated.”
“Last year was a tough adjustment for me, becoming a single mum, maintaining the house, working and uni... (the bursary) will alleviate some stress for my year ahead. I want you to know how very much it is appreciated."
“The act of giving creates a positive ripple effect, not only through financial benefits, but it can also enhance people’s lives, change communities for the better and raise awareness of specific causes.”
MaryAnne Morgan, Director of Pine Rivers Community Finance – which owns and operates Community Bank Samford – said by providing student scholarships, they hope to make a “significant impact on a student’s ability to further their education.”
“We work and live in this community, and we want to see it thrive,” MaryAnne said.
“Supporting students is supporting the future of our region. It makes good business sense. Of course, we also hope our support means we get to engage with more people, so they are aware that when you bank with Community Bank Samford, you get all the great products and services that Bendigo Bank offers, but as a community bank, we give back up to 100% of our profits to the community.
“The act of giving creates a positive ripple effect. It not only brings financial benefits, but it can also enhance people’s lives, change communities for the better and raise awareness of specific causes.”
At UniSC, we know education is the cornerstone of personal growth and societal progress, and yet, the rising cost of living is taking a heavy toll on many of our students, affecting their housing, academic performance, and overall mental well-being.
And while the impact is being felt across the board, some are struggling more than others, including those from low socio-economic backgrounds and students with dependents – often women and single parents, like Rachael.
It’s just one reason recognising our donor community at the first ever Moreton Bay Celebration of Philanthropy was such a milestone for UniSC, as our reach in the Moreton Bay and Caboolture area continues to grow.
Thank you to the individuals and organisations that supported our students in 2023 through bursaries and scholarships, including:
- BPW Caboolture
- BPW Northlakes
- Community Bank Samford
- Moreton Bay Regional Council
- Rotary Club of Aspley
- Rotary Club of Kippa-ring
- Rotary Club of Pine Rivers
- Zonta Club of Pine Rivers
We’re also grateful to the individuals and organisations that support the ground-breaking UniSC environment and health research undertaken in Moreton Bay.
As foundation donors who support the Moreton Bay and Caboolture communities, they are leading the way in supporting UniSC to create a better tomorrow, not just for our students, but for the communities and planet they live in.
Media enquiries: Please contact the Media Team media@usc.edu.au