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Media Release

April 7 2009

Career dream on track for Port Pirie scholarship student

Krichelle Oaklands is the recipient of the 2009 Annette and Leon Davis ScholarshipThe generosity of a former Port Pirie couple is helping one of the town’s ambitious young people get a head start in university life.

Krichelle Oaklands,17, who this year commenced a Bachelor of Health Science at UniSA, is the recipient of the 2009 Annette and Leon Davis Scholarship, valued at up to $45,000 and established specifically to help students from Port Pirie.

“I don’t think the transition to university life is necessarily easy for anyone, but for students that come from rural or regional areas like Port Pirie there’s lots of added pressure and stress that comes with having to find a job, a house, and get used to living in the city,” Ms Oaklands said.

“Traditionally there hasn’t been a lot on offer in terms of scholarships for students from Port Pirie, so obviously I was really excited about this scholarship when it was announced.”

Ms Oaklands said it has been her dream to study Medical Radiation since Year 10, and hopes to transfer after her first year of Health Science.

“Winning this scholarship is really going to help me in terms of focusing on my goal. It’s a great safety net to have, and it’s great to know that I can now focus on getting the most out of my time at UniSA,” Oaklands said.

Annette and Leon Davis were both born in Port Pirie and understood the barriers sometimes experienced by young people from regional areas, according to UniSA Deputy Vice Chancellor & Vice President: Academic, Professor Peter Lee.

“Port Pirie has a long history of triumph over adversity and it’s known throughout the State as a resilient community,” Prof Lee said.

“There are many Port Pirie locals who have proven that growing up in a regional area is no barrier to international success.

“Leon Davis is a great example, rising from a cadet at the old Broken Hill Associated Smelters to head up Rio Tinto and more recently the Westpac Banking Corporation.

“This scholarship helps to ensure students won’t miss the opportunity to study and succeed at tertiary level and is a tremendous example of generosity and community spirit.

“Thanks to the generosity of Annette and Leon Davis, the university journey has been made a little easier for Ms Oaklands and I’m sure she’ll have every success in the future.” Prof Lee said.

The scholarship provides $11,000 per annum for up to four years and an additional $1000 in the first year to assist with relocation expenses. The scholarship will be offered again in 2011.
 


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