25 years of community impact: celebrating Greater Shepparton Foundation

This week we continue our deep dive into 25 years of community giving, and 25 of the ways the Foundation supports our community with impacts 5 – 10. To look back at the list so far you can visit www.greatershepparton.foundation

Over 25 years we have focussed lots of support on scholarships, bursaries and support for young people entering further education pathways.

The Lift Off Education Scholarship is one of our most long-standing program of support, but the Greater Shepparton Foundation, and Community Fund Goulburn Valley has also supported young people through sporting pathways, medical scholarships, vocational training scholarships and specialist bursaries.

It is estimated 600 young people have accessed support through one, or more of our scholarship programs over the past 25 years, an incredible demonstration of the impact these initiatives can have on the lives of young people.

5. Helping build a stronger medical workforce

The Medical Workforce Fund scholarship program supported pathways for medical professionals and helped contribute to the region's longer-term health workforce.

For a regional community, attracting and retaining skilled health professionals is critical and investing in people is one way philanthropy can help strengthen that future. This program is still in operation through our great friends at GIZ A Break.

6. Giving young people a Sporting Chance

The Sporting Chance scholarship program recognised the important role sport can play in young people's lives, building confidence, connection, discipline and opportunity.

It also reflects the Foundation's understanding that community wellbeing is about more than education and employment; it is about creating opportunities for people to participate and belong. This partnership with FamilyCare and Greater Shepparton City Council provided financial support to help people cover costs for participation in sport.

7. Don Fairless Scholarships

The Don Fairless Scholarship is a great example of a philanthropic legacy being translated into opportunity. Operating until 2017, the scholarship supported individuals pursuing elite level sporting aspirations with financial incentives to help achieve their goals.

8. Shepparton ACE Secondary College Bursaries

Greater Shepparton Foundation has long supported Shepparton ACE College Bursaries for students aspiring toward tertiary study and employment pathways. ACE College is a registered secondary college that provides a safe, accessible learning environment which focuses on positive educational experiences.

9. Bella Ainsworth Perpetual Scholarship

The inaugural Bella Ainsworth Perpetual Scholarship was awarded in 2025, following a 12-month campaign by Bella’s great friend Fiona Smolenaars to raise $100,000 for a perpetual scholarship in her honour.

Businesses and community members all financially supported this incredible initiative, which you can read all about on our website. Two scholarships have been awarded to date, Denni Bathman in 2025 and Aaron Schuren in 2026.

10. Employment and Vocational Training Scholarships

Greater Shepparton Foundation, in partnership with Goulburn Murray LLEN this year started offering Employment and Vocational Training Scholarships to young people aged 16–25 who are seeking access to vocational training, apprenticeships, and meaningful employment pathways. A meaningful addition to our scholarship opportunities.

Looking back over 25 years, it would be easy to focus on the programs, scholarships and dollars invested. But the real measure of impact is what comes next.

It is the career, the qualification, the sporting achievement, the apprenticeship and the confidence that comes from knowing someone believed in you.

The Foundation’s story is not simply about what has been given. It is about what has been made possible and the stronger community that grows from it.

Until next time.