Councillor Ann Mawhinney made the presentations at Bega library with quite a few proud family members in attendance.

“Bega Valley Shire Council is very passionate about educating young people so to be able to assist through this scholarship sends a strong message,” Cr Mawhinney said. 

University scholarships worth $1000 went to Kylie-Ann Tighe, Keith Ashurst and Stephanie Pearce.

Ms Tighe is a Bachelor of Commerce student at University of Wollongong (UOW) Bega and hopes to work in financial planning. 

Also studying at UOW Bega are Mr Ashurst, who is completing a Bachelor of Arts, and Ms Pearce, who recently started a Bachelor of Nursing. 

Manager of the University of Wollongong (UOW) Bega campus Samantha Avitaia commended BVSC for the scholarship program.

“We really appreciate the support this gives to students, we believe it’s really important for them to feel supported by the local community,” she said.  

TAFE scholarships worth $500 each were awarded to Sophie Wilton and Jake Hoad.

Ms Wilton works full time in aged care and studying part-time online, while Mr Hoad is completing a Certificate III Engineering (Fabrication) at TAFE. 

The Youth Tertiary Scholarship program is now in its fifth year and was started by former BVSC councillor Pat Campbell who believed students should be assisted in remaining in the Bega Valley to continue their studies beyond high school. 

The scholarships are awarded annually to students between 18-24.

Ms Tighe, 24, said she the scholarship will be put towards textbooks. 

“Commerce textbooks aren’t cheap, that’s for sure!” she said. 

“This will really help me out and it’s great there are scholarships like this for people here.

“Studying here has allowed me to stay in my job and be near my family, so I’m really lucky to be able to do Commerce in Bega.”