Ms Emily Atlee and Ms Tori Reynolds graduated from Charles Sturt in Dubbo with a Bachelor of Educational Studies and Bachelor of Social Work, respectively.

Both growing up in Dubbo where they continue to study, live and work, Emily and Tori’s university journeys were aided significantly thanks to the Dubbo Regional Council Scholarship worth $3,000.

“I was able to purchase required texts, equipment I needed to start university, and overall lessen the financial burden of being a full-time student fresh out of school and going on unpaid placements,” Tori said.

Tori was also supported through Charles Sturt’s TAFE Pathways program, completing her Cert IV and Diploma of Community Services as well as the Bachelor of Social Work all within four years.

“Being able to apply the knowledge learnt from either one to the other was something I found extremely useful, as well as having smaller, more intimate classes where I was able to get one-on-one support,” Tori said.

Now with her sights set on a career helping disadvantaged and vulnerable children overcome barriers to achieve their goals, Tori’s personal experiences have continued to motivate her success.

“During my high school years, one of my parents was affected by an illness that required them to be in Sydney for extended periods of time over a couple of years,” she said.

“This meant I had to learn time management skills and adaptability in my day-to-day life while still attending school, staying committed to sport and navigating my teenage years.

“It was one of the biggest inspirations and motivations for following a career in helping others overcome the challenges they face and helping vulnerable children.”

Fellow graduate Emily also took a non-linear path to university, already working as a teacher’s aide and participating in the Collaborative Teacher’s Aide Pathway Program to enrol at Charles Sturt.

Adding to this support, Emily’s scholarship assisted with purchasing key resources for particular subjects, as well as a variety of classroom needs.

“Growing up, I always wanted to be a teacher and having key teachers throughout my schooling inspired me to continue this career,” Emily said.

“A teacher once told me, ‘The world is your oyster’, and I have taken that concept with me, which has inspired a range of various choices I have made and led me to where I am today.

“I taught as a teacher’s aide in a high school for two and a half years before moving to a primary school where I gained the experience and conditional accreditation needed to begin casual teaching at various schools in Dubbo.”

Dubbo Regional Mayor Councillor Josh Black said it was wonderful to see Emily graduate with the support of the scholarship.

“Dubbo Regional Council consider it very important to support local people in gaining access to our local university, and particularly the local campus of that university, so we’re thrilled to be able to back that up with this scholarship,” he said.

And Emily’s studies with Charles Sturt aren’t over, despite graduating, as she continues to complete her Master of Teaching (Primary).

“The support I receive at Charles Strut really keeps me going, particularly staff like Professor Libbey Murray who is always only an email away,” she said.

“There’s so much knowledge and key learnings to take away into my future career.”

Mr Michael Sutherland who represented the Tony McGrane Memorial Scholarship, which was another scholarship offered to this graduating cohort, noted the importance of helping aspiring students to believe in their higher education dreams.

This scholarship was established in 2014 in memory of former Mayor of Dubbo Regional Council Cr Tony McGrane OAM, who had a long and distinguished record of serving the community, including playing a role in establishing Charles Sturt University in Dubbo.

Mr Sutherland said it was an honour to continue supporting the Dubbo community in Tony’s name.

“The Tony McGrane Memorial Scholarship Committee is pleased to provide a catalyst to encourage local people to study through Charles Sturt,” he said.

“I don’t remember a time when there have been more employment opportunities for university graduates – particularly in the regions.

“In difficult financial times, every small hand can provide incentives to further education and a promising career.”