OUTREDS

(Outback Rotary Education Scholarships)

The resumption of our OUTREDS program is certainly a very positive outcome during the period of "hibernation" and proves once again the resilience of Rotary.
 
I have said it before but it needs reiterating, congratulations to both clubs involved and in particular to those individual members who have put so much effort into the success of this first scholarship which has the additional benefit of adding a further dimension to the relationship we have formed over the past few years.
 
Press release received from the Rotary Club of Quirindi follows:
 

PRESS RELEASE

Ian Lobsey, President of  Quirindi Rotary Club, is thrilled to announce that the Initial Recipient of the OUTREDS Scholarship for 2020, is Marika Forsstrom of Wallabadah.
 
Marika is an Enrolled Nurse at Quirindi Hospital and is currently studying at the University of New England in the Bachelor of Nursing course.  At the completion of her Degree Marika intends to continue nursing at Quirindi Hospital as a Registered Nurse and, hopefully, at some time in the future concentrate on nursing in Palliative Care.  "I love nursing and enjoy helping and caring for people" said Marika, "and I am thrilled and grateful to receive the OUTREDS Scholarship, as it will enable me to complete my studies and continue providing care and support to the Quirindi community through my nursing career.  I am so grateful to Concord Rotary Club, the Trustees of the Scholarship and Quirindi Rotary Club, for their support with my studies".
 
The Scholarship, known as OUTREDS (Outback Rotary Education Scholarships), was established in the late 2000's and has been operated by the Rotary Club of Concord as a Community Project.  The Scholarship aims to assist communities by supporting those recipients completing Tertiary courses by returning and benefiting their own communities.  The OUTREDS Scholarship grants the recipient up to $6,000 per year for a three-year period to assist with out of pocket expenses incurred as a result of their studies.
 
Mr Lobsey expressed his gratitude to Concord Rotary Club and the Trustees of the Scholarship for their support of the Quirindi community.  "Marika will be a worthy recipient of the Scholarship", said Mr Lobsey.  "Marika, who attended Quirindi High School, demonstrates the talent and aptitude of local residents and it is wonderful that, through the generosity of Concord Rotary Club and the Trustees of the Scholarship, we are able to support local residents in furthering their own skills and ultimately developing the resilience and talent of the Quirindi community".