By Tate Papworth
Young people in and around Brimbank will be the beneficiaries of a partnership set to create about 500 scholarships.
Melbourne Airport is renewing its $440,000 partnership with Western Chances to provide scholarships for a further three years.
Talented and motivated tertiary and high school students facing financial barriers and living in Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Melton, Moonee Valley and Wyndham will be eligible for the scholarships.
Melbourne Airport chief executive Lyell Strambi said he was proud to support the program.
“Melbourne Airport is pleased to partner with such an effective community program that supports and motivates talented young people living in Melbourne’s west,” he said.
“The scholarship program provides funding for items that make a real impact, ranging
from text books and access to tutoring, to funding public transport and materials related to individual education needs, such as laptops.”
Western Chances chief executive Rhyll Dorrington said she was pleased to see the partnership continue.
“From donating money in 2008 in lieu of Christmas cards, to significant multi-year financial and pro-bono support, Western Chances is one of the most fortunate not-for-profit organisations in Victoria to be backed by our nation’s premier airport,” she said.
“We feel so proud that in partnership, Western Chances and Melbourne Airport have achieved outstanding results over the past 10 years supporting hundreds of young people.”
Western Chances board member Celia Tran, is a former scholarship recipient, said the initiative had allowed her to thrive.
“Western Chances gave me the financial support needed to succeed in my studies,” she said.
“When I received my scholarship, I felt really proud and I was happy to be able to relieve my family of stress associated with purchasing
text books, a laptop and participation in excursions.
“I am now living the dream and give back where I can through volunteering.”
