On Thursday 26th April 2018, Inspiro awarded our annual tertiary scholarships to three Yarra Ranges students: Molly Horne, Zoe Eggleton and Nicole Wong. They were awarded up to $3000 each in scholarships. The awards recognise and reward local residents who are studying at university in a health field, by providing them with financial help with the costs of their studies.

Inspiro has been awarding scholarships to the local community for 12 years and since 2006 has awarded $107,000 in scholarships.

This year the awards were presented to students by Linda Hancock, Inspiro Board Director, and Hamish Russell, Inspiro volunteer and former Board Director. The winners proudly accepted and celebrated the awards with their families.

More about the winners

Inspiro $3,000 Tertiary Health Scholarship Major Award Winner: Zoe Eggleton

Zoe is currently completing her final year of a Bachelor of Biomedical Science at Monash University, and hopes to go on to study a Doctor of Medicine post-graduate study. Her goal is to work as a paediatric doctor as she is passionate about helping to improve the lives of children and young people.

A resident of Wandin North, Zoe actively contributes to the community in a variety of activities including weekly volunteering at the Royal Children’s Hospital emergency department, where she supports families and children. Zoe is also an Access Monash ambassador, guiding students from local public high schools through their final years of school; and assists students transitioning into tertiary education as a member of the Biomed Mentoring Program.

Each day Zoe spends hours travelling from home to university, whilst also working part time to support herself. For Zoe, the scholarship will reduce financial stress and give her more time to focus on her studies and extracurricular activities.

Inspiro $3,000 Tertiary Health Scholarship Major Award Winner: Nicole Wong

Nicole is a first year Dentistry student at La Trobe University in Bendigo. As someone who was born with a cleft lip, Nicole hopes to become a maxillofacial surgeon helping to treat diseases, injuries and conditions affecting the head, face, neck, jaw and mouth area.

A long-time resident of Mooroolbark, Nicol has been actively involved in the community since high school. She has been a member of the Yarra Ranges Youth Reference Group, which represents the local youth and encourages the council to consider the views of youth. Nicole has also been volunteering with with Nourish Network, which helps economically disadvantaged people; That Loud Woman, an organisation that empowers females; Share the Dignity, a charity that distributes bags of essentials to women and girls experiencing homelessness or poverty; and tutors VCE students in science.

To undertake her degree, Nicole had to move to Bendigo, and purchase compulsory equipment for her course. The scholarship will help with Nicole’s living expenses and give her more time to study.

Inspiro $2,000 Tertiary Health Scholarship Encouragement Award Winner

Molly is studying for her medical degree at Monash University. She hopes to fulfil her dream of becoming a doctor and work with disadvantaged communities.

Molly lives in The Patch and has been contributing to the hills community in many ways. She is a keen footballer (playing for Monbulk) and musician (flute and saxophone). Molly has played in the with the Dandenong Ranges Music Council for over 10 years. She played at the ANZAC day march in Monbulk many times, and at carols concerts in Ferny Creek to raise money for the CFA. Molly has also volunteered with the ‘Light the Night’ cancer walks around Lilydale Lake, and packed many Christmas hampers for local communities at the open-door community church in Monbulk.

Studying medicine can be very expensive. The scholarship will help Molly pay for equipment like a stethoscope, professional clothing and footwear, and compulsory books; and also help keep her car running for the long daily drive to Clayton.

Inspiro scholarships in 2019

Inspiro’s university (tertiary health) scholarships open for 2019 in January 2019. Wouldn’t mind a scholarship yourself? Get a head start by subscribing to our newsletter to be notified when applications open in 2019.  Click here.