Committee for Echuca Moama (C4EM), Campaspe Cohuna LLEN and Campaspe Primary Care Partnership (CPCP) are offering Balance for Better Scholarships for the second consecutive year.
The scholarships celebrate women’s achievements, highlights local opportunities while providing practical assistance to women working or studying in non-traditional sectors.
The inaugural scholarships last year followed the local International Women’s Day event and helped three women purchase tools of trade and one to pay for further education.
“Women face many challenges when working in male-dominated industries and the recipients of last year's scholarship have described receiving financial assistance as being a ‘real boost along’ and made them feel proud to be role models both in their workplaces and in their local communities,” CPCP chief executive Emma Brentnall said.
One of last year's scholarship recipients Alison Barnes is an apprentice fitter and turner at Riverport Engineering and Hydraulics in an industry where only 1.35 per cent of the workforce in Australia are females.
“It is only through people visually seeing women working successfully in the industry will they start to accept that woman have a place in all jobs. I am so proud to be a one in a 100 employee,” she said.
This year's scholarships have been made possible by a successful International Women’s Day event on March 11 which profiled women in non-traditional employment.
Scholarship applications are open for women in the Campaspe and Murray River Council areas who work in or are undertaking study in a non-traditional sector.
Evidence is required that the occupation is non-traditional (less than 25 per cent of the workforce are women) and the funds will be used for tuition costs, tools or related expenses at a TAFE, university or other reputable private education provider.
Scholarships will be awarded up to a value of $1000, with applications closing on June 19.
Echuca Rotary Club has also partnered with C4EM, CCLLEN and CPCP to offer a specific Rotary funded scholarship, also to the value of $1000.
Application forms can be found online at c4em.com.au/echuca-moama-womens-scholarship/
For information, contact Ms Brentnall on 0419 834 645.
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