We are thrilled to announce the recipients of this year’s Centacare South West NSW Foundation Scholarships: Lauren Jorja Signor and Grace McLachlan!
Lauren Jorja Signor: A Beacon of Hope from Yenda
Lauren Jorja Signor, hailing from Yenda, NSW, is a remarkable recipient of this year’s scholarship. She is pursuing a Bachelor of Social Work at Charles Sturt University (CSU), driven by a profound passion for aiding others and fostering positive change. Lauren’s dedication to social work is evident in her active involvement with the CSU Student Counselling and Wellbeing Team, particularly in sexual assault and harassment prevention. Her proactive approach and compassionate nature have not gone unnoticed, earning her the prestigious Executive Dean’s Award.
Lauren’s aspirations are as inspiring as her achievements. She aims to apply social work principles and theories to make a meaningful impact in areas such as Child Protection, Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Addiction Services in Griffith and beyond. We applaud Lauren’s dedication and wish her continued success in her academic journey and future endeavors.
Grace McLachlan: Inspiring Change from Wagga
Grace McLachlan, another deserving recipient of the Centacare South West NSW Foundation Scholarship, is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) at Charles Sturt University. Grace’s commitment to mental health support was ignited by her upbringing, with a social worker mother and a police officer father, giving her unique insights into the cycles of generational trauma in their community.
Grace’s experience as a case manager for foster children and now as a school counselor has provided her with firsthand knowledge of the challenges faced by children and families, especially in regional areas. Her innovative approach to supporting those in need, including utilizing alternative therapies like music therapy, highlights her dedication to professional development and trauma-informed care. Grace’s determination to continue her impactful work as a school counselor is truly commendable.
Join Us in Supporting Future Leaders in Mental Health and Wellbeing
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Lauren and Grace for their well-deserved recognition and wish them all the best in their studies and future endeavors. Their stories are a testament to the transformative power of education and the impact dedicated individuals can have on their communities.
If you are inspired by Lauren and Grace’s journeys and are passionate about making a positive impact in the field of mental health and wellbeing, we encourage you to apply for next year’s Centacare South West NSW Foundation Scholarships. Visit Centacare Scholarships & Grad Programs page for more information.
Together, let’s support and nurture the next generation of mental health advocates and social work leaders. Your dedication could be the key to creating lasting change in our communities. Apply now and join us in making a difference!
If you would like to know more about this story; any of the featured people or would like to submit an idea for an upcoming story, please get in touch.
