The scholarship recipient making City of Salisbury proud

There’s nothing quite like the challenge of tertiary education and one local resident is facing it head on, with results to be proud of.

One of the recipients of this year’s Phoebe Wanganeen Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Scholarship, Mani Welch, has been working hard to achieve his goals.

Currently pursuing a double degree in Mechanical Engineering Honours, and Mathematics and Computer Sciences at The University of Adelaide, Mani has been studying subjects like Maths, Physics, Programming and more.

Mani is performing well academically, consistently achieving Distinction grades, even while managing the challenges of combining his studies with employment. Enjoying his time at university, Mani says that Physics, with its hands-on practical experiments, and Mathematics, which challenges him, are the most enjoyable subjects and his overall university experience has been positive.

The Phoebe Wanganeen Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Scholarship has been awarded since 2008 to recognise and pay respect to Phoebe Wanganeen, a highly respected Aboriginal Elder who dedicated much of her life to improving access to education for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

‘I applied for the Phoebe Wanganeen scholarship because it provides valuable opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals to pursue higher education. This holds personal significance for me as I work in a high school, supporting Aboriginal youth, and firmly believe in the importance of education,’ said Mani.

The scholarship supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from City of Salisbury, to help with upfront costs for things like textbooks and other supplies needed for study. When asked what his advice would be to any fellow First Nations residents of City of Salisbury wishing to apply for the scholarship, Mani said:

‘Education is important and whilst life has many challenges and whilst education can be a challenge, my advice is to aspire to achieve and empower yourself with knowledge and qualifications. The Aunty Phoebe Wanganeen Scholarship can be used to reduce financial burden, whilst upholding Aunty Phoebe’s educational aspirational legacy.’

City of Salisbury encourage any First Nations residents who are studying to apply for the scholarship. Awarded every year, the scholarship can assist with costs that may not be covered by the government’s HELP loan, and can help secure those essentials needed for comfortable studying.

City of Salisbury would like to congratulate Mani on his impressive grades, and wish him all the best in his academic journey.

Applications for this year's Phoebe Wanganeen Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Scholarship are NOW OPEN and close Sunday 31 March 2024 (11.59pm). To find out more or to apply, visit www.salisbury.sa.gov.au/pws