Moonee Valley Foundation

David Sullivan (2003 winner)

"The Moonee Valley Foundation grant allowed me to fulfil my dream of studying and living abroad. Not only did I get the opportunity to develop my legal knowledge, I was introduced to the Danish way of life as well as to living and studying with students from over 30 different countries. It was an experience of a lifetime one I would recommend to anyone if the opportunity arises."

Rebekeh Pleuckhahn (2002 winner)

"Receiving the Moonee Valley Foundation award gave me faith in my goals and recognition, inspiration and the avenue to pursue the study of music and cultural heritage. If you have an idea, dream or ambition, follow it through and  bring your ideas together and apply for an award! This award may provide the next step to bring you closer to your chosen career or endeavour."

Leanne Yeung (1995 winner)

"The award has made me aware of the need to recognise and reward young people for their potential and abilities. The confidence, stimulation and knowledge that I have gained from my project has been immeasurable. My project has enabled me to look to at my profession and my country with a fresh but more mature viewpoint. The award has inspired me to continue working for my community in any possible way, and to motivate others to do the same thing in order to gain the intrinsic reward that such activities can offer."

Timothy O'Leary (1991 winner)

With the assistance from the Essendon Anniversary Scholarship Trust, I completed a study tour of leading community psychiatric services in the UK and USA in 1992. As a result in 1997, I am in my current position as a counsellor due to personal and professional gained during the study tour. I was also able to return to (employment) in Moonee Ponds with the new ideas and resources. The Foundation has my deepest gratitude because they have the courage to ask young people their dreams and the commitment to support their dreams to become reality".

Clare Bunworth (2005 winner)

"I had a dream to make a difference to the impoverished and malnourished Koiari people in a remote village in  Papua New Guinea and used the Moonee Valley Foundation award funds to undertake a 10 week volunteering project. I learned many things about myself, and also that materialistic values may not be as important as we've been led to believe".

David McNichol (1986 winner)

"As the inaugral recipient of the Essendon Scholarship I travelled to London where I studied the art of piano accompaniment with one of the great accompanist of this century, Geoffrey Parsons. The scholarship enable me to work with him for three months; observing, listening to and absorbing his years of experience and knowledge through having accompanied some of the finest singers and instrumentalists. The experience was extremely rewarding, educating, inspiring and highly motivating. As a result of being awarded this scholarship I consider myself to be one of the fortunate few who have had the unique opportunity of working with such a master of the keyboard".

Angela Tam (2006 winner)

"I applied for the Moonee Valley Foundation Scholarship when I was working as an Honours student in a molecular biology lab, and wanted to gain  overseas experience. My placement at Yale was everything I hoped for and more... I had a ball soaking up the college atmosphere ... I made contacts which have already helped my career development. Thanks to the backing of the Moonee Valley Foundation, I have learned a coveted set of techniques which will set me apart from other graduates."

Nathan Smith (2004 winner)

"Winning the Moonee Valley Foundation award was an artisitic endorsement, a financial boost and a confidence enhancer. It was recognition  of my work so far and the fact that there was an interest in the arts. It allowed me to pursue my art (establishing a contempory dance company) the way I wanted to. Nothing would have been possible without the grant. It paid for costumes, sound, lighting, studio time ... the lot!"