While school kicks back into gear for those in Kyabram, those who graduated last year are jetting off to university ready to see out their passions and set the foundations for the rest of their life.
The bank has decided to help out those students and ease the burden of costs like tuition, accommodation, books and travel by offering a collective $17,500 to seven students.
Ethan Ciavarella, Laura Graetz, Bailey White, Alisha Fitzgerald, Mitchell White, Riley Todd and Bella Isaac are the students who received scholarships to help out with finances while they study.
Bank chair Vince Curtis said he is “incredibly proud” to be able to support these students in their journey into higher education.
“The transition to university or TAFE can be financially challenging, and our scholarships help ensure that promising students in our community can focus on their studies without added stress,” he said.
“Of course, we’d love them to bring their newfound skills back to Ky too, but that’s not a requirement,” he said.
Mr Ciavarella is studying a Bachelor of Engineering at RMIT University, and he said receiving the scholarship was “a huge honour.”
“I am very grateful for the support. It has allowed me to move away to begin my tertiary education and settle into living away from home,” he said.
“It is a huge relief and has taken lots of stress off beginning my university education.”
Students interested in applying for the 2026 Scholarship Program can jot down that applications close late January 2026.
“We encourage all eligible students to apply and see where it takes them,” Mr Curtis said.