Sixty-three Upper North Shore locals were honoured the Link Wentworth’s 2025 Scholarship Awards Ceremony on 9 December. For this round of scholarships, the community housing provider committed $220,000 to help residents advance their personal, professional, and educational goals.
The scholarships fund a wide range of needs, from school uniforms, laptops and study materials to university and TAFE fees, tutoring, employment training, creative development and driving lessons.
In total, more than $1.2 million in grants has been awarded since the program’s inception, giving community housing residents access to learning pathways that might otherwise be out of reach.
‘These scholarships not only provide practical support, but they also bring our community together — celebrating ambition, inspiring each other, and recognising the incredible achievements of our residents,’ says CEO Andrew McAnulty.
For Hornsby single-mother Kristie, the scholarship will help cover the costs of her son CJ starting high school.
‘Finances can be a struggle,’ she said. ‘CJ has several disabilities. He can’t write. His new laptop means he won’t have to rely on a teacher’s aide all the time. He’ll have the same opportunities as his peers and get to have normal experiences.’
Receiving the scholarship, Thornleigh recipient Freya will be able to continue driving lessons so she can gain independence and improve her job prospects.
‘Getting my P’s will really boost my confidence,’ she said. ‘The opportunities open to me include better job prospects and the freedom to drive myself to my workplace. The program gives us opportunities we wouldn’t otherwise have.’
McAnulty said the scholarship program also demonstrates the wider community impact of federal Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF) support, which helps organisations like Link Wentworth deliver safe, affordable housing and better resident outcomes.
Funding from Link Wentworth’s annual Home Sweet fundraising event contributed to this year’s scholarships. Home Sweet will return in August next year.
