BELLA AINSWORTH SCHOLARSHIP
BELLA AINSWORTH PERPETUAL LIFT OFF SCHOLARSHIP
Bella Ainsworth was a passionate community champion that loved seeing young people achieve their dreams and fulfill their potential.
A Shepparton local, Bella’s enthusiasm, talent and support of community projects has seen her become a much loved and cherished local advocate.
With Bella’s diagnosis of a rare form of cancer in 2023, just weeks after the birth of her son Saf, friend Fiona Smolenaars approached Bella with an idea; to gift a scholarship in Bella’s name to a young person in Shepparton who needs support to go on and achieve their further education aspirations.
Bella’s response, “why the hell not!”
Fiona Smolenaars set about raising $100,000 for the Bella Ainsworth Perpetual Lift Off Scholarship to ensure this gift to the community in Bella’s name is available to a Goulburn Valley student every year - forever more.
Bella is pictured above with her husband Mitch and son Saf.
The inaugural Bella Ainsworth Perpetual Scholarship was awarded in 2025, presented by Bella's husband Mitch and her Dad Garry to Denni Bathman.
“It is an immense honour to be the recipient of the inaugural Bella Ainsworth Perpetual Lift Off Scholarship. I feel incredibly fortunate to have been one of the many young people whose life was touched by Bella’s guidance and mentorship. I met her in 2021 through the Greater Shepparton "Young Champs" Youth Council, where she quickly became a source of encouragement and support. Her belief in me was a constant source of motivation. This scholarship will greatly relieve the financial pressure of university, allowing me to focus on my studies and career goals without distraction. Receiving this scholarship is an incredible opportunity, and I am committed to making the most of it by continuing to give back to my community.” – Denni Bathman
Donate to the Bella Ainsworth Perpetual Lift Off Scholarship and support a young person to achieve their education aspirations.