July 29, 2014

ANZAC scholarships commemorate diggers

To mark the 100th anniversary of the declaration of World War I, the Illawarra Centenary of ANZAC Committee will launch the Illawarra Centenary of ANZAC Scholarships.

The two annual scholarships, worth $5,000 a year for three years from 2015, will be offered to first year students who are direct descendants of Australian or New Zealand WWI veterans or those who have served in the Australian Defence Force, including the Army Reserves.

“Already the committee has secured funding from the three local government councils – Wollongong, Shellharbour and Kiama – for the scholarships, and the University is matching that commitment,” chairman of the Illawarra Centenary of ANZAC Committee, Peter Poulton, said.

NSW Governor Dame Marie Bashir will formally announce the scholarships on 4 August during a ceremony at the Balgownie War Memorial, which pays tribute to 111 men from the suburb who fought to help secure Australia’s freedom during the war.

Monique Harper-Richardson, Director of Advancement at UOW, said the scholarships fittingly commemorate those that served in the defence of Australia and acknowledge the centenary of WWI.

“We believe in investing in future generations through higher education and so are delighted to partner with the Illawarra Centenary of ANZAC Committee to create these scholarships,” Ms Harper-Richardson said.

UOW and the Committee are working together to secure a $250,000 endowment fund to ensure the scholarships continue in the future.

“We are hoping the business community will come on board to help secure the endowment,” Mr Poulton said.

For more information about the scholarships, please visit the UOW scholarship information page at uow.edu.au/about/scholarships or call Renee Burton, UOW Senior Development Co-ordinator (scholarships), on (02) 4221 8113.