Pursuing higher education is a significant milestone, especially for students from regional communities like the Shoalhaven. But with the excitement of new beginnings often comes financial pressure, from tuition and textbooks to the high cost of moving away from home. That’s where scholarships can truly make a difference.
More Than Just Financial Aid
Scholarships do more than just cover expenses—they recognise potential and show students that someone believes in their journey. For many young people, that vote of confidence can be just as valuable as the money itself.
Financially, scholarships can reduce or even eliminate the need for part-time work, allowing students to concentrate on their studies. They also provide breathing room to make the most of university life—whether that’s joining clubs, accessing support services, or just having time to settle in.
Real Stories, Real Impact
Andrew Percy, a 2025 recipient of both the Bendigo Bank Scholarship and support from the Shoalhaven Education Fund, moved from the Bay and Basin to Canberra to study at the Australian National University (ANU), where he lives at Ursula Hall.
“Moving away from home is expensive,” Andrew says. “I’m using my Bendigo Bank scholarship funds to cover my housing costs, and the support from the Shoalhaven Education Fund is helping with textbooks and other essentials—it’s taken a lot of pressure off.”
Ashlee Allen, who received the Young Carers Bursary this year, also highlights the practical value of scholarship support. Ashlee, a dedicated student and the new Youth Program Assistant at Firefly Bay and Basin, used her bursary to buy a laptop and essential study supplies.
“Being a young carer can be tough, and sometimes it feels like you’re juggling a lot,” Ashlee says. “Getting the bursary meant I could finally afford a proper computer for my schoolwork. It’s made a huge difference.”
Both Andrew and Ashlee show how scholarships can empower young people from our community to chase their goals without being held back by financial barriers.
Explore Scholarships with Firefly
To make it easier for students like Andrew and Ashlee, Firefly Bay and Basin has created a dedicated Scholarships page on their website. It’s a growing list of opportunities tailored to young people in the Shoalhaven, connecting them to local, state, and national scholarships.
Whether you’re heading to university, TAFE, or another training program, this resource can help ease the financial load and make your education goals more achievable.
Help Us Keep the List Growing
Have you come across a scholarship that could benefit local students? Firefly would love to hear about it! This new page is a community-driven resource, and every contribution helps. By sharing information, you’re helping open doors for others in the region.
To suggest a scholarship, head to the Scholarships page and get in touch with the Firefly team.
Your Future Starts Here
If you’re a student (or you know one), don’t overlook the value of applying for scholarships. They can ease financial stress, provide recognition, and help you stay focused on your goals.
Firefly’s new scholarship resource is a great place to start. Take the time to explore what’s available—you might be surprised by how many options are out there, and just how far a bit of support can go.