February 14, 2013
Nanango resident Samuel Tonkin’s academic dreams will soon become a reality, thanks to a Bendigo Bank scholarship program .
Granted for the first time in 2012, the Yarraman & District Community Bank Branch and Blackbutt Branch Scholarship is awarded to first-time tertiary students whose financial circumstances might mean that a university degree is out of their reach.
Mr Tonkin, a resident of Nanango, said the scholarship would enable him to start his Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Southern Queensland in Toowoomba.
“It’s great to know that I have financial support to start my degree, which means I don’t have to worry about how I will pay to live away from home,” Samuel said.
South Burnett Community BankGroup chairman Noel Strohfeld said he was thrilled to offer Samuel the chance to further his education.
“We want to make a difference to outstanding but disadvantaged local students like Samuel who would be unable to start higher education because accommodation and study costs put considerable financial pressures on a family,’’ Mr Strohfeld said.
‘’There are families in our community that are facing difficult circumstances such as floods and natural disasters, debt and unemployment meaning some students may not get the chance to study a degree at university.
‘’Young people in a number of communities across Australia, including ours, will now have the chance to become doctors, occupational therapists, IT professionals, dentists, engineers and scientists, so its impact will be valuable for many people.
“Samuel is looking for a career in the financial sector. This is another way that our Community Bank company commits to building stronger communities.
‘’Samuel is very deserving of a scholarship and I wish him all the best of luck as he begins an exciting journey toward achieving his career goals.’’
The Yarraman & District Community Bank® Branch and Blackbutt Branch Scholarship is part of the Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Scholarship Program.
Last year’s winner Patrick Walsh also came from Nanango.
- For more information about the scholarships, visit www.bendigoadelaide.com.au/scholarships
