Applications are now open for scholarships and grants that honour the work of the late Ross and Andy Powell across education, agriculture and volunteerism.
Announced in April, the Powell Legacy Fund has been launched to provide financial support across a broad range of activities that relate to these three criteria.
Ross, 71, and Andy, 32, were life-long members of the Port Campbell Surf Life Saving Club (PCSLSC) and very active in the CFA and SES. They were also prominent figures in the local dairy farming industry.
Last Easter, they tragically died after their boat flipped during the rescue of a 30 year-old man from the entrance of the Sherbrook River near the Twelve Apostles.
Since the fund was announced, a local subcommittee has been formed to assess applications and advise the board of the DemoDAIRY Foundation on successful applications. The DemoDAIRY Foundation is administering the fund.
Chris Hibburt from The Vet Group is the facilitator of the Powell Legacy Fund Sub Committee. Other members include Port Campbell Surf Lifesaving Club president Scott McKenzie supported by Zoe Vogels, Timboon P12 School principal Gavin Reid and DemoDAIRY Foundation secretary Ian Teese.
Mr Hibburt said the Federal Government, Powell family and local community had contributed $200,000 for post-secondary scholarships and grants consistent with Ross and Andy’s passions. It is anticipated the fund will be granted in full over the next 10 years.
He said Val Powell, the wife of Ross and mother of Andy, was keen to see successful applicants achieve their endeavours with support from the fund.
“Val has a lot of appreciation for the work that is happening. She is really grateful that people have stepped up to continue the work of her family,” he said.
“There is criteria, but we want applicants to know that the fund is flexible and as a sub-committee we’re aware of Ross and Andy’s passion across education, volunteerism and agriculture and what sort of projects they would be right behind.
“While the focus is on young people, no one will be excluded. As an example there might be a 45 year-old who wants to do an abseiling leadership program to then teach young people to abseil and join the local cliff rescue crew.
“So don’t just think about the scholarships – the grant program is there as well to make things happen that might not happen without some external funding support.”
Mr Hibburt encouraged interested individuals to visit the Powell Legacy Fund page on the DemoDAIRY Foundation website for more information and to complete the online application process.
He said contact information for the sub-committee members was there for people who had questions or needed advice on how their projects might apply to the intent of the fund.
The page can be found at www.demodairy.com.au/powell-legacy-fund