The OCTEC Limited Glenn Taylor Scholarship continues to support tertiary education students, with 14 students from Western NSW successful applicants this year. This includes a young woman studying to be a mechanic, another not letting her disability getting in the way of studying medicine, and a young First Nations man from Walgett studying paramedicine. These are just three inspiring stories from this year.
“It has significantly reduced my financial stress, allowing me to devote my energy and attention to academic and professional growth. This support has opened doors to opportunities that would have otherwise been out of reach, assisting my development as a student and aspiring actor.”
TAMARYN, Creative Arts (Acting) student
As Australia’s largest not for profit disability employment and education organisation, OCTEC offers the scholarships to benefit those experiencing financial hardship.
Glenn Taylor sat on the OCTEC Board, was an Orange City Councillor and small business owner. He was known to be a man of the people who supported ‘the battler’. He sadly passed away in January, 2022 after a long battle with cancer.
OCTEC Limited Chair Jeff Whitton said the scholarship program honours Mr Taylor’s commitment to the community development.
“We received many applications once more this year. Each candidate is worthy of the scholarship, which makes it a hard decision when assessing applications,” Mr Whitton said.
“OCTEC’s experience on the frontline highlights for us the width and depth of missed opportunities, inequality and unidentified talent in regional and rural areas.”
OCTEC continues to provide education and employment services throughout Australian east coast regional
communities as it has for nearly 50 years.
“There are many barriers for students considering further study, especially at the moment. They all have tales of resilience given their final years of high school were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mr Whitton continued.
“My reason for studying medicine derived from my experience of watching my mother’s interactions with doctors as she was treated for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and has undergone a bone marrow transplant. I found it fascinating that the doctor was able to diagnose and work with my mother to find treatments that would optimise her health outcomes.”
SOFIA, Bachelor of Medicine student
“These are courageous students who look forward to the future and see hope. They are people who want to contribute to a healthy, successful community and a progressive nation.”
The Glenn Taylor Scholarship is offered annually, supporting areas of need in our footprint that covers New South Wales, Queensland, the ACT and Victoria.