In Summary

Horticulture and Environment students from Swinburne University of Technology’s Wantirna campus have been awarded scholarships due to the generosity of Old Oak Orchard in Wandin.

A total of $15,000 was awarded to 21 students to pay for tuition or materials fees.

The scholarships reward excellence in education, recognise outstanding community and industry engagement and assist students experiencing hardship.

Swinburne’s Horticulture and Environment Operations Manager, David Bruce, said the funding from Old Oak Orchard was a terrific way to recognise the achievements of students and also offer financial support.

“We are extremely grateful for the donation from Old Oak Orchard. It was wonderful to be able to recognise the hard work of our students through financial scholarships. The calibre of students who were selected was extremely high, and all recipients were clearly deserving of Old Oak Orchard’s generosity,” said Mr Bruce. 

Six scholarships of $500 were awarded to selected students based on outstanding achievement in their academic and practical assessments from 2013, while the categories for student equity and industry engagement required students to apply and undertake an interview with a selection panel.

Six students who demonstrated effective contribution to community and/or industry organisations including environmental groups and volunteer groups were awarded scholarships of $500. 

Nine scholarships of $1,000 each were awarded to students experiencing medical or disability hardship, financial hardship, transport or travel hardship and other circumstances such as carer obligations.