Parkes Shire students undertaking their first year of full-time university studies in 2023 are being encouraged to apply for a Jack Scoble Scholarship.
Supported by the Parkes Shire Council, the Jack Scoble Scholarship offers local students the chance to receive funding to put towards their tertiary studies, such as the purchase of a laptop and textbooks, relocation and accommodation costs.
Council’s Manager Cultural Education & Library Services, Kerryn Jones said, “It’s important that we encourage our local school leavers to think about what opportunities are available to them and support them to achieve their aspirations.”
“Receiving a financial boost can help make university education more accessible for regional young people to help ease the financial pressures of tertiary studies. I also strongly encourage students who will be registering with the Parkes Country Universities Centre to consider this scholarship as they are also eligible to apply.”
The late Mr Scoble MBE, OAM was Mayor of Parkes from 1966 to 1979. He died in 2003, providing a profound legacy of community involvement, civic pride, leadership and high personal values.
The Jack Scoble Education Scholarships have provided financial assistance to students to the value of $115,000 between 2006 and 2022.
In 2022, three students were awarded the Scholarship – Maisy Osborne, James Finn and Zac Redfern.
Maisy Osborne is studying a Bachelor of Business at University of Newcastle and says, “My first year at university has been the most exciting journey filled with new friendships, learning experiences and self-development.”
“The Jack Scoble Scholarship has been extremely valuable in supporting me financially. The scholarship allowed me to participate in and enjoy various opportunities throughout the duration of the year. I was able to register myself in university sports teams, travel to and from home, as well as meet university expenses such as accommodation, parking, food, printing, textbooks and more. I couldn’t be more appreciative of the opportunities the scholarship provided me with, and I encourage any eligible individual to consider the same,” added Maisy.
James Finn is also at the University of Newcastle where he is studying a double Honours degree in Business and Laws. James said, “I am very grateful to have received the Jack Scoble Scholarship as I was able to put the funding towards my accommodation. It did take me a while to settle in living away from home, but I have ended up really enjoying my experience at university this year”.
Applicants must be:
- Residents of Parkes Shire who have completed the Higher School Certificate at either a school within the Shire; or a school outside of the Shire as non-boarding students.
- Entering their first year of full-time university studies either immediately after graduating high school, or, after a gap period of no longer than 24 months.
- Undertaking a course of study that will offer a benefit to the rural community.
Scholarship guidelines and the application form are available on Council’s website.
Applications close on 20 January 2023 at 10am. For more information, please contact Kerryn Jones, Council’s Manager Cultural Education & Library Services Kerryn Jones 02 6861 2338.