My name is Molly, and I grew up in Creswick, a small town just outside of Ballarat. I’m currently studying Occupational Therapy at the Australian Catholic University in Ballarat, and I absolutely love being part of a regional university community.
Growing up rurally has shaped who I am in so many ways. There’s something really special about the strong sense of community that comes with living in a small town. Whether it’s getting behind the local footy and netball club, supporting community events, or just knowing your neighbors, there’s a real sense of belonging that I carry with me every day. Sport, in particular, has been a huge part of my life, and I currently play and coach at the Newlyn Football Netball Club.
Being awarded the Youthrive Victoria University Scholarship has been an incredible privilege. Not only has it alleviated the financial stress of studying full-time, but it has also connected me with an amazing network of rural youth who are passionate about making a difference. The recognition of receiving this scholarship has given me a real confidence boost, and I’m so grateful for the opportunities that have come with it.
One of the highlights of my Youthrive journey so far has been attending the Young Rural Leaders Program at Lake Dewar. It was an incredible experience where I had the chance to develop leadership skills, connect with like-minded peers, and reflect on ways I could bring positive change to my own community. During the camp, we spoke about the gaps in our local communities, and I shared my thoughts on the need for more engagement for early teens in secondary school. This conversation led me to take action, I initiated and managed a summer mixed netball team for the Newlyn FNC, bringing together players from different backgrounds to bridge that gap in a fun and inclusive way. We ended up coming out as champions, but more importantly, we formed strong friendships and created something that brought people together, which was the real win for me.
This experience reinforced my passion for supporting others and strengthened my desire to continue working in rural communities. Right now, I’m focusing on expanding my knowledge in Occupational Therapy, and I’m really excited to be in the process of creating the first ever OT Club at ACU Ballarat, as we are the first OT cohort for this campus. The support and inspiration I’ve gained from Youthrive have played a huge role in giving me the confidence to take on these initiatives.
Looking ahead, I know that I want to continue living and working in regional areas, contributing to the communities that have given me so much.
– Molly