2023 Jack Scoble Scholarships awarded

Published on 06 March 2023

20230221_150538.jpg

Congratulations to Charlotte Darcy, Cody Morgan, Elsa Cusack and Jorja Mann who have been awarded Parkes Shire Council's Jack Scoble Scholarships for 2023, and recognised at a formal ceremony on Tuesday, 21 February 2023.

Deputy Mayor, Cr Neil Westcott, said the Jack Scoble Scholarship Fund provides financial support for local high-school graduates undertaking their first year of full-time university study.

"The late Jack Scoble MBE, OAM was a long-serving Mayor of the former Municipality of Parkes from 1960 to 1979, and his passing in 2003 had a profound impact on the community he loved and served so well, and the establishment of a scholarship in his name ensures his legacy will live long into the future," Cr Westcott said.

"All four scholars exhibit a strong sense of community involvement, civic pride, leadership and personal integrity, all of which were attributes held in high regard by the late Mr Scoble, who was a strong champion for supporting young people and giving them opportunities to grow and better themselves," he said.

"As is often the case, some of our recipients had already relocated to their respective universities to commence their studies. Luckily, with the marvels of technology, we were able to speak face-to-face with those scholars via video while their families attended in-person to accept their scholarships on their behalf."

Council's Manager Culture, Education and Library Services, Kerryn Jones, said 18 applications were received from across the Parkes Shire, with four applicants subsequently shortlisted for interview.

"The panel was extremely impressed by all four of the candidates in both the written and interview stages. Each of them demonstrated the spirit of what the Jack Scoble Scholarship was established to support," Ms Jones said.

"After detailed consideration, it was resolved to share the scholarship funds and allocate $4000 scholarships to all four worthy candidates," she said.

Charlotte Darcy attended Tullamore Central School and has been accepted into Charles Sturt University where she is studying a Bachelor of Exercise & Sport Science.

Cody Morgan of Parkes High School has been accepted into the University of Wollongong where he is studying a Bachelor of Engineering: Civil (Hons).

Formerly a student at Red Bend Catholic College, Elsa Cusack is also attending the University of Wollongong, where she is studying a Bachelor of Engineering: Mining (Hons).

Jorja Mann, also a former Red Bend Catholic College student, has been accepted to the University of Newcastle where she is undertaking a degree in Occupational Therapy.

"Given the quality of the applicants, it would appear the scholarship represents an invaluable Council initiative from which a very substantial and meaningful dividend will continue to be derived by the Shire's talented young people," Ms Jones added.

During its seventeen-year history, the Jack Scoble Education Scholarships have provided financial assistance to students to the value of $136,000 between 2006 and 2023.