Helping with the education journey

By Jessica Howard

Chelsea Bell set off on her first day of university last week.

The 18-year-old Bacchus Marsh resident is studying a Bachelor of Applied Science and Masters of Speech Pathology at La Trobe University in Melbourne.

Although a daunting experience, Chelsea’s introduction to university has been made much easier thanks to the inaugural Bacchus Marsh Community Bank Scholarship.

The scholarship is part of Bendigo and Adelaide Bank’s Scholarship program, which has invested more than $6.5 million into helping 568 students realise their higher education dreams.

Chelsea was presented a $3,000 cheque by Bacchus Marsh Community Bank Chairman, Claire Sutherland and Branch Manager, Ian Prince on Wednesday February 28.

“This money will help me so much,” Chelsea said.

“I lost my father a couple of years ago and we became a one income family. This money will help to pay for my text books and set me up for university”.

Chelsea said she found out about the inaugural scholarship program through a careers councillor at Bacchus Marsh Grammar.

“I was excited and also really relieved when I found out that I was successful,” she said.
“I had my first day at uni yesterday, it’s a lot different to high school but it’s been fun so far”.

Bacchus Marsh Community Bank Chairman, Claire Sutherland said the Board also awarded a contribution of funds to Bacchus Marsh resident Edan May, to support her first year of higher education.

“Our branch is proud of these young people looking to further their education by attending University,” Ms Sutherland said.

“The calibre of applicants we had for this year’s scholarship proves that our young people are an absolute asset to Bacchus Marsh.

“We are pleased that our investment in Chelsea and Edan’s further education will help them focus on their studies and help lay a solid foundation for success during their first year.

Edan attended Bacchus Marsh College and will be studying Bachelor of Science (Wildlife and Conservation Biology) at Federation University in Ballarat.