Scholarship keeps Sister Burns’ memory alive

Some 50 years later, Mr Roscoe had an idea that would eventuate as the Sister Burns Trust.

He sought the assistance of Mr Gavin Harrison (Harrison Dobson & Cotrill) and Mr Jim Smith from Smith O’Shannessy (now Smith Dosser).

It was with Ian’s persistence and Gavin and Jim’s expertise that launched the Sister Enda Burns Scholarship Fund in 1991.

Sister Burns’ niece, Janet Gillespie, would join local lady Nancy Burgess becoming members of the original committee.

The Scholarship Fund was established as a permanent way of acknowledging the work done in the Benalla community by Sister Burns and to honour the service given by women in many fields including community support groups.

It would be awarded to a student studying in medical or paramedical studies.

The committee’s goal was to raise at least $20,000 to produce a reasonable amount of annual income before any scholarships would be granted.

These funds were largely gained from donations from local businesses and members of the community, Sister Burns being one of them.

In 1993 the first scholarship was approved and this year marks the 30th year of approved scholarships.

More than 70 students have been assisted by about $130,000 in that time.

Some of these students have been lucky enough to have received bursary funds over a period of years while they completed their studies, with a total over 134 scholarships having been distributed amongst local students.

The trustees aim to specifically help those who are most in need to succeed in their career goal.

The cost of studying and living away from home can be high with text books, stationary, transport and rent to name a few.

“It is always pleasure to help and assist students financially with their studies, but most of all, it is always rewarding to hear from these students when they completed their studies and what they have achieved,” Mr Roscoe said.

Collette Keenan was one of the first recipients of the trust and studied a Bachelor of Nursing at Latrobe University in Wodonga.

“It was such a lovely surprise and honour to receive this special award, particularly one that honoured such an inspiring nurse in our local community,” Ms Keenan said.

Justine Nicholls (nee Pearce) was fortunate to receive the Sister Edna Burns scholarship to study a Bachelor of Health Science Occupational Therapy.

“The scholarship significantly reduced the financial pressure of needing to work to afford living away from home and studying,” Mrs Nicholls said.

“Consequently, I was able to focus on my studies. I now work as an occupational therapist locally.”

Robert Saker studied his Bachelor of Applied Science Nuclear Medicine at RMIT and said: “the scholarship funds were very helpful in being able to afford numerous text books, which I still use today.”

Mr Saker is working as a nuclear medicine technologist.

Other locals the fund has helped to achieve their career goals include, Lessa Hazell, Elise Cook, Grace Thompson and Sarah Sgarioto.

“The scholarship... allowed me to focus on my studies and have access to all textbooks and learning materials I needed to support my Bachelor of Health science... at Charles Sturt University,” Ms Sgarioto said.

Her studies have enabled her to work as a speech pathologist in a range of practice areas including child and adolescent mental health, community health, rehabilitation and paediatrics.

The Trust has supported and helped numerous students in the local community, many who now reside in Benalla and follow the footsteps of giving back in many medical avenues just as Sister Enda Burns did all those years ago.

If you are a student from Benalla and District who is studying, or about to start tertiary studies, in the areas of medical, nursing and associated paramedical fields, phone 5762 1588 for an application. Applications close February 28. If you wish to make a donation to the Sister Edna Burns Trust or have any information on Sister Edna Burns, or Rossmore Hospital, email Jessica at jess@smiths.net.au