Ellen Rigby Memorial Scholarship
Value
- $5,000 per year for duration of degree*
*full-time, or part-time equivalent
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
Citizenship:
- Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident, or eligible New Zealand Citizen**
** Eligible New Zealand Citizen includes students who meet the criteria for HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP. Further details available here: Changes to fees for New Zealand Citizens | Western Sydney University
Enrolment:
- new or continuing student
Program/s:
- any undergraduate degree within the School of Humanities & Communication Arts, School of Social Sciences, and School of Psychology
Additional:
- be female
- reside in Western Sydney
- demonstrate financial or other hardship as assessed by the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).
Ellen Rigby
Ellen Rigby was a much-loved family matriarch who died on 30 June 2019 at 91 years of age. She immigrated to Australia in 1965 with her husband and five children and settled in Old Toongabbie. After her husband became ill and was unable to work, she went back to work as a cleaner, first at Parramatta Psychiatric Hospital and then at Rooty Hill RSL. She created a bright future for her family through sheer hard work and determination. She was a strong advocate for education and the role of women in society. She proudly attended the university graduations of two of her children, many of her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren. She was irreverent, intelligent and determined.
Comacon is an Australian-owned consultancy specialising in community and stakeholder engagement on infrastructure and natural resources projects. It has fourteen offices around the world and over 200 team members. It was founded by Donna Groves, who is Ellen’s granddaughter. Donna credits Ellen as being the inspiration for everything she has achieved and believes her grandmother was the best and most admirable person she has known. Donna and the family would like to see the essence of Ellen in the successful applicants. Hard work, determination, honour, loyalty, a commitment to supporting women and a strong sense of social justice were core components of who Ellen was.
Application and Selection Process
Applications are to be submitted through the Universities Admissions Centre. Shortlisted applicants, as determined by the UAC Equity Ranking, may be required to make a written submission in support of their application.
Further information and how to apply can be found on our Equity Scholarship page.
Continuing Eligibility Criteria
- Recipients must remain enrolled at Western.
- Recipients must maintain a minimum GPA of 4.
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