Charles Sturt University Master of Inclusive Education student Ms Angela Hanigan wanted to give her students with disabilities the best possible experience at high school, regardless of the personal financial cost.

Angela saw an opportunity to fill an educational resource gap at Coonamble High working in the school’s support unit. To ensure she could deliver the best outcomes for her students, she enrolled in the Master of Inclusive Education to build her knowledge in this area.

Thankfully, the financial pressure of furthering her education at Charles Sturt in Dubbo was diminished when Angela received a Daphne Saxby Taylor Memorial Scholarship.

Angela said the school has limited options to recruit staff to the support unit and moving into the disabilities support role would give her greater job security.

“I was excited to extend myself by teaching in this area,” Angela said.

“I knew I needed to pursue further study in inclusive education to give my students the best possible experience, regardless of the financial burden it would put on me.”

Angela said there was a huge need for more support unit workers in rural NSW.

“Almost 700,000 women and young girls with a disability live in rural and remote Australia,” she said.

“While data on disabilities among First Nations People is limited, it is estimated that there are double the rates of disability among them in contrast to the non-Indigenous population.”

CEO of the Charles Sturt Foundation Ms Sarah Ansell said, “Angela’s willingness to step out of her comfort zone and invest in herself and her school will deliver benefits for the entire community of Coonamble. It is wonderful that she should receive this vital support to do so.

“I hope it encourages all those experiencing job uncertainties in these challenging times to seek scholarships like this one for the betterment of themselves and those around them.” 

Angela said multiple factors have contributed to high staff turnover at Coonamble High School and developing her skills in inclusive education would assist with staff retention.

“With the school’s limited resources to recruit and retrain staff, this scholarship couldn’t have come at a better time,” Angela said.

“This support has given me the confidence to remain at Coonamble High after my graduation and I hope long into the future.”

There are currently more than 150 scholarships being offered through Charles Sturt University. A full list of scholarships is available on the Charles Sturt website.

ENDS