Never too late to learn

At 50 years of age, Southern Cross University nursing student Peter Baldwin is a firm believer in the saying ‘better late than never’.

He is also a firm advocate of providing quality care to the aged, and his commitment to the industry has paid off after being named the inaugural recipient of the Sawtell Catholic Care of Aged Cadetship.

The Cadetship is one of a number of scholarships, cadetships and prizes awarded as part of the Southern Cross University’s Rising Stars Scholarship and Prize Ceremony, at the Coffs Harbour campus last week.

 Mr Baldwin is in his second year of a Bachelor of Nursing, and through this new cadetship works one day a week under the supervision of a registered nurse.

“It’s a really lucky break and provides much more hands-on experience. It’s a really great opportunity,” he says.

Having worked in the aged care industry for around 16 years in roles ranging from maintenance and cleaning to kitchen work, Mr Baldwin is no stranger to the challenges and rewards in the aged care sector.

“As a society we owe it to the elderly to care for them. We have a social responsibility to provide the best care we possibly can.

“I go to work each day and I don’t see our residents as old. I see them for what they have achieved in their lives. I also see their determination to stay alive and to live as fulfilled a life as they possibly can.”

Mr Baldwin himself has demonstrated determination can pay off. He left school early and spent his early years as a ‘ditch digger’.

“Aged care was an area I always wanted to work in, but never thought I was good enough or qualified to get into. I got some casual work and got my foot in the door. The opportunities that the aged care industry has given me have been really good.”

Another new scholarship was The Malcolm Marshall Scholarship – awarded to Fiona Webb, who is studying a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Education (Secondary) at the Coffs Harbour campus.

A range of other scholarships and prizes, including two Vice Chancellor’s scholarships, were also being presented.

Vice Chancellor Professor Peter Lee said he was pleased the University’s Scholarships program continued to receive support from donors.

“The Scholarships program recognises academic achievement, community involvement and leadership. The program also ensures members of our community can access a higher education despite financial or other disadvantages.

“These scholarships would not be possible without the generosity of individuals, organisations and charities across the University’s footprint. I welcome on board our new donors and extend my gratitude to our existing donors for their ongoing support.”

More than $460,000 worth of scholarships will be handed out through the SCU Scholarships program to 151 scholarship holders. There are 55 donors to the Rising Stars Scholarship program worth more than $380,000. Most scholarships are valued at $5,000 per year but they range from $500 to $12,000. The scholarships are supported by a range of partners including businesses, community groups and trusts, each of who receive a donor appreciation certificate.

There are 21 Vice Chancellor Scholarships to be awarded across the three campuses including seven new scholarships and 14 continuing. Each scholarship is worth $5,000 per year for up to five years.