A new scholarship for students looking at further studies who live in the region is aiming to honour a long-time Coleambally resident's belief in continuing education.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The JW Scholarship has been established by 98-year-old John Wilkinson, a long-time resident of the region, and is now calling for applicants.
Mr Wilkinson has lived in the area since 1963, initially working as a manager of Benerembah Station before purchasing a rice farm near Coleambally.
An active member in the community, Mr Wilkinson retired in 1987 and was named Citizen of the Year in 1995 and he continues to stay involved through his activities with the local SES, Landcare Group and the Lions Club.
Mr Wilkinson said continuing education has been important to him for a long time.
"I've always been a strong believer in ongoing education," Mr Wilkinson said.
"With jobs and skills changing so fast it seems to be more important now that ever.
"Coleambally is a cheerful town and the people have been very friendly and good to me, so this is my chance to say thank you and to give back."
The annual scholarship aims to help students who recently completed their secondary education studies and live in the Coleambally and Darlington Point area undertake tertiary or vocational education.
Up to $10,000 in funds has been allocated for the scholarship in its first year.
READ MORE
Applicants are being judged on four main criteria, with their capacity for hard work, their desire to get ahead, their potential to benefit from the scholarship and the individual need for the scholarship all being considered.
The Wilkinson family, in conjunction with the Coleambally Lions Club, will be managing the scholarship, with the potential to split the scholarship amongst two or more people if decided by the committee.
To apply for the scholarship, applicants must send a letter to the Coleambally Lions Club at PO Box 71 in Coleambally or email the club secretary Maurice Boldiston.
The letter must outline how the applicant fulfils the criteria, what area of tertiary study or vocational training they wish to undertake as well as how the funds would be utilised.
Applications will close on January 25.