Lewis to give greater chances to talented locals

AN OCEAN Grove local has been awarded a $50,000 fellowship grant in recognition of his charitable work to empower young people in Melbourne’s western suburbs.

Western Chances chief executive officer Zac Lewis was announced as one of ten social entrepreneurs to win $50,000 grants through the 2023 Westpac Social Change Fellowship.

Western Chances supports young people in Melbourne’s west who are facing financial barriers to achieve their potential by providing scholarships, opportunity programs and ongoing support.

The $50,000 fellowship grant will equip Mr Lewis with the skills to expand and grow his organisation to serve other regions in Victoria, including Geelong.

Mr Lewis said the $50,000 grant would be a “gamechanger” for his business as it enters its next chapter.

“It’s amazing to be honest. The program is sensational and it’s amazing Westpac are investing in people to lead social change across the country,” he said.

“I’m very lucky to receive it and it’s a great chance to improve as a leader and to inspire greater impact and grow.

“The grant will help us to grow our programs in Geelong with the hope of launching Geelong Chances in term one of 2024.

“This will involve us working with local schools to find talented people so we can help them to be their best.

“We are very excited for this next chapter.”

Westpac Scholars Trust chief executive officer, Amy Lyden said the fellowship is a great way to invest in in those helping to make the world a better place.

“Our Social Change Fellows are granted financial support, leadership development and networking opportunities to fast track their personal growth, which supports our belief that the key to fostering real transformation in communities is investment in the very people trying to lead this change,” she said.

“Zac Lewis from Western Chances is deeply committed to fostering social change evidenced by the strides he and his team have been making to give young people the chance to fulfil their potential.”

Since its inception, Westpac Scholars Trust has invested over $40 million in 740 Westpac Scholars.

For more, head to scholars.westpac.com.au/scholarships/social-change-fellowship