Melbourne Airport will help hundreds of young people achieve their academic and career goals through funding approximately 500 scholarships in a new three year partnership with Western Chances valued at $440,000.
 
Talented and motivated high school and tertiary students facing financial barriers living in Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Melton, Moonee Valley and Wyndham will be eligible for the Western Chances scholarship program.
 
Melbourne Airport CEO Lyell Strambi said he was proud to support such an important community program.
 
“Melbourne Airport is pleased to partner with such an effective community program that supports and motivates talented young people living in Melbourne’s west,” said Mr Strambi. 
 
“The scholarship program provides funding for items that make a real impact ranging from text books and access to tutoring, to funding public transport and materials related to individual education needs, such as laptops.
 
“Melbourne Airport has been supporting Western Chances for 10 years, creating more than 500 scholarship opportunities and we are pleased to extend this partnership for another three years, in a move that opens up around 500 additional scholarships.”
 
Western Chances’ Board member and scholarship alumna, Celia Tran, praised Western Chances for enabling her to thrive in high school. 
 
“Western Chances gave me the financial support needed to succeed in my studies. When I received my scholarship I felt really proud and I was happy to be able to relieve my family of stress associated with purchasing text books, a laptop and participation in excursions,” she said.
 
“Because of Western Chances I was able to complete a Bachelor of Social Sciences at RMIT and a Master of International Community Development at Victoria University. I am now living the dream and give back where I can through volunteering.”
 
Western Chances CEO Rhyll Dorrington said Western Chances has enjoyed a strong long-term relationship with Melbourne Airport.
 
“From donating money in 2008 in lieu of Christmas cards, to significant multi-year financial and pro-bono support, Western Chances is one of the most fortunate not-for-profit organisations in Victoria to be backed by our nation’s premier airport,” said Ms Dorrington.
 
“We feel so proud that in partnership, Western Chances and Melbourne Airport have achieved outstanding results over the past 10 years supporting hundreds of young people to remain in education and fulfil their goals and dreams. Multi-year funding is absolutely crucial to the sustainability of not-for-profit organisations and we commend Melbourne Airport for its vision and commitment to support us over the long term, allowing us to go from strength-to-strength.”
 
To find out more about Western Chances and to donate visit www.westernchances.org.au