Inspired by her company’s commitment to education in disadvantaged areas, in 2012 Ms King-Smith began to develop a scholarship program that would benefit students in the Central West.

And last week the efforts of Reliance Credit Union staff, CEO Mark Genovese and the generosity of the Central West community resulted in three young students receiving funds that will help them tackle the financial burdens associated with undertaking tertiary study.

“There are all manner of scholarships out there, for all different learning areas, but they all seem city-based,” Ms King-Smith said. “We wanted to assist people in the Central West in their quest for education.

“Because of our geographic area we are at a disadvantage and, let’s face it, if you don’t have funding for education it makes it difficult to advance.”

The Reliance crew raised $3635, with the bulk of the money coming from a 40km walk three staff members made from Blayney’s Reliance branch to the doors of the Bathurst credit union. That amount was then matched by CEO Mark Genovese.

The scholarship program was open to all school leavers who were undertaking further study, either at university, TAFE, or through an apprenticeship. 

The inaugural winners of the $2000 Credit Union Community Scholarship Fund were:

n Melanie Arthur, a Bathurst student who is studying a Bachelor Degree of Speech Pathology at the University of Newcastle. 

n Michael Matthews, a Kelso student who is studying a Bachelor Degree of Engineering (Mining) at the University of New South Wales.

“It was very exciting,” Melanie Arthur said. “It definitely took a lot of pressure off, given all the expenses that crop up at the beginning of the semester. Every little bit helps. 

So successful was the program, drawing a large number of high quality applicants, that Reliance decided to award a third prize of $500 to Gulargambone student Keiley O’Brien.

, who is studying a Bachelor of Agriculture/Bachelor of Business at the University of New England, Armidale.