TWENTY-eight young people undertaking higher education or following their sporting dreams have been announced as recipients of this year’s Chances for Children scholarships.
First offered 25 years ago, the program is run by Mallee Family Care and sees tertiary education students and sports people from across the region supported with money for school fees, accommodation and other educational costs.
This year’s recipients include people from across Sunraysia and the wider Mallee and Far West New South Wales regions studying for bachelor’s degrees or diplomas in health, community services, engineering, economics, arts and beauty.
One of those selected is Hannah Maalste from Broken Hill who’s studying paramedicine remotely via Charles Sturt University.
The first in her family to go to university, her Chances for Children scholarship money will help with supporting the 23-year-old when she travels to Bathurst for work placement.
“From high school, I never thought I would attend university, nor did my family,” Ms Maalste said.
“As well as proving it to myself, I hope to show other youth that they can overcome any challenge and do what they dream of.”
MFC CEO Teresa Jayet congratulated the 2025 awardees, 20 of which were from Mildura or Red Cliffs, and said the scholarship program had real and lasting positive impacts on the recipients and their communities.
“Chances for Children was founded on the premise that everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their circumstances or where they live,” she said.
“Chances scholarships are an investment in our youth, and our community.
“We know that young people in regional and remote areas often face unique challenges when it comes to accessing tertiary education, which is even further exasperated by the rising cost of living.
“Through these scholarships, we hope to not only alleviate some of the financial burdens but also inspire and support these talented individuals to reach their full potential.”
During the quarter-century Chances for Children has been in operation, more than 2200 people have been assisted by the program.
The 2026 intake is set to open later this year and offers scholarships to Year 11 and 12 students as well as those at TAFE, university or undertaking apprenticeships.
There’s also a non-tertiary section that supports people on sporting, performing arts, and leadership journeys, with two state-level basketballers supported this year.
Ms Maalste said Chances for Children was a worthy cause to support.
“Any donation will be changing a life,” she said.
“Scholarships give young people the opportunity to follow their dreams and the confidence to say, ‘I know I can do it’.”
