Order of Australia Foundation scholarship opens doors for Swinburne student

Bachelor of Business and Bachelor of Health Science student Chelsea Allen has been awarded a scholarship from the Order of Australia Association Foundation.  

Chelsea was one of six recent scholarship awardees. The award is valued at $40,000 over two years, and is given to full-time university students in their second year, who are exceptional in their field of study, have given back to the community and will benefit from financial support and mentorship.  

Using her studies, Chelsea is committed to building a business in nutritional health and exercise to enhance wellbeing and overall quality of life for all.  

Coming from a rural South Gippsland community, Chelsea has given back in numerous ways. She has volunteered in programs with the elderly, at a local opportunity shop, led initiatives in mental health, and worked with children to encourage participation and improve confidence levels.  

Chelsea had previously “definitely closed the doors” to studying a Master of Dietetics due to the cost, but with this scholarship support, that opportunity has reopened.  

Financial support and mentorship

On behalf of the Board of the Order of Australia Association Foundation, Chairman Dr Helen Nugent AC said, “the financial support provided to each Scholar will be life changing, as will the mentorship support provided by a member of the Order of Australia.

“We thank each University for their active participation in the rigorous assessment process that has occurred. We also acknowledge the wonderful support of each of the donors.”

The cohort of the six scholars brings the total number of scholarships that the Order of Australia Association Foundation has awarded to fifty-five. Chelsea’s scholarship was donated by Mr Paul Wheelton AM KSJ, a member of the Board of the Order of Australia Association Foundation.