Emma Larouche
28 October 2024: Two second-year Bachelor of Nursing students at the University of Canberra have been awarded the inaugural Audrey Thew Scholarship, in recognition of their high performance and to support them during clinical placements.
The scholarship is the result of a generous, ongoing donation by Peter Thew, a Canberran whose late mother, Audrey commented favourably on the hard work and kindness of nurses she encountered over her lifetime.
“After mum passed away nearly two years ago, once her estate was settled, I ensured that I was financially comfortable in my retirement, but I also wanted to do something beneficial to the community and came up with the idea of establishing a scholarship,” Mr Thew said.
“Mum was always chatting with her sister Moya and her friends about the care she received during hospital visits, speaking very fondly of the nurses.
“Recalling those remarks made me want to put some of the money she left behind towards support for nursing students – and I think it would make her feel very proud.”
Mr Thew was supported through the process of establishing the scholarship by Craig Phillips, Senior Financial Advisor at Phillips Wealth Partners. Mr Phillips’ business partner Luisa Capezio encouraged them to connect with staff from the University's Faculty of Health, with whom she had previously met through her expertise in aged care financial advice. This enabled a smooth process for the creation of the scholarship, which will have a lasting impact on nursing students and the broader community.
“The scholarship has been set up so it can be awarded to students for at least the next ten years and can continue in perpetuity,” Mr Phillips said.
“I’m thrilled with the outcome as I believe it’s worthwhile investment to support the students during their studies and see them go into successful careers in healthcare,” Mr Thew said.
The inaugural recipients are Alyssa Fitzgerald and Mandy Wells, who will each receive $5,000. Both students are required to undergo three more clinical placements during their final year of study.
“I’m so grateful for this opportunity,” Ms Wells said.
“The scholarship means that I can experience another rural placement, which is what I really want to do, and the extra financial support will help cover the cost of spending time away from home.”
“Receiving the scholarship is a huge help and will enable me to do more with my placement,” Ms Fitzgerald said.
“Even things like paying for parking every day really adds up, so the extra support means a lot.”
The selection process also deemed Ms Fitzgerald and Ms Wells to be strong students and future leaders. Alongside the financial benefits, they have achieved recognition for their commitment to an intense learning journey which involves lab-based learning and theoretical study, as well as Work Integrated Learning in the field with other nurses and health professionals.
“It is an absolute delight to see two of our high achieving Bachelor of Nursing students be recognised for their academic excellence,” said Professor Jenny Weller Newton, Head of the School of Nursing and Midwifery.
“We’re extremely appreciative of the Thew family’s generosity in supporting the funding of these scholarships in memory of their mother.
“I hope that these scholarships not only support Mandy and Alyssa for the remainder of their studies, but also inspire other students in doing well with their studies.”
The students had the opportunity to meet with Mr Thew and Mr Phillips, during which they learnt of the special connection the donor had to their chosen profession.
“It’s so wonderful to hear that the nurses who cared for Mr Thew’s mother left a lasting impression and that their kindness and compassion makes us the beneficiaries of much-needed financial support,” Ms Fitzgerald said.
“Hearing the story makes the scholarship even more meaningful and will drive us to carry it forward,” Ms Wells said.
“Hopefully Alyssa and I can do the same thing by providing exceptional care to individuals who may consider passing support onto another student down the line.”
Learn more about how to donate to the University here.
