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Don't be late - get in your scholarship applications, urges Land Council Chair

30 April 2010

Aboriginal people throughout the State were today urged to get in their applications for prestigious New South Wales Aboriginal Land Council education scholarships.

"The cut off date for applications is only three days away," said NSWALC's Acting Chairperson, Councillor Tom Briggs.

"These scholarships can really make a difference," Councillor Briggs added.

"To date the NSWALC scholarships have assisted some 300 Aboriginal students across the State further their education at all levels of the education system.

"The scholarships open to all Aboriginal people in NSW, cover six broad areas including those students in primary and secondary education, students in boarding schools, tertiary students, or those undertaking TAFE and vocational courses."

Councillor Briggs said NSWALC's $30 million dollar Education Endowment Fund, which was launched in 2007, is designed to complement existing current State and Federal funding streams that provide education and employment pathways for Aboriginal people in NSW.

"More than $300,000 worth of scholarships were awarded last year and the recent testimonials from scholarship recipients clearly show the difference they can make to the lives of those who gain scholarships."

Separate, Freddy Fricke scholarships assist those specifically undertaking tertiary level courses.  It has assisted 50 Aboriginal people since it was established in 1972. This scholarship program was named in honour of local identity Frederick (Freddy) Thomas Fricke.  It was established by the $537,000 proceeds of the sale of his home bequeathed to NSWALC upon his death in April 2000.

Councillor Briggs said the land council network has already spent about $1.2 million dollars on its independent scholarship programs.

"While the application period was extended it will close on Monday, May 3," Councillor Briggs said.

Further details on the selection criteria and scholarship application forms are available by contacting  Margaret Dent, Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) on Telephone 02 99299633.

Scholarship Application forms are also available on NSWALC's website  - www.alc.org.au.

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Further information:       Peter Windsor  0400  554603