Scholarships 2026
We’re proud to announce and congratulate Monte Darlison, Thomas Reuss, Lila Kelly and Anna Wilson, who have each been awarded a scholarship through the 2026 Community Bank Warburton and Yarra Junction Scholarship Program.
These outstanding students have now joined our Scholarship Honour Roll and are no doubt thrilled to receive a valuable boost toward their tertiary education journey.
Meet the 2026 Recipients
-
Monte Darlison – Monte is from Warburton and is a most deserving scholarship recipient for 2026. Monte is currently studying a Bachelor of Science at the University of Melbourne, and we hope this scholarship will play a meaningful role in supporting his academic journey and future success. Monte is pictured here with Kate from our Warburton Branch.
-
Thomas Reuss – Congratulations to Thomas Reuss from Yarra Junction! Thomas is another most deserving recipient of one of our 2026 scholarships. He is currently studying Paramedicine at the Australian Catholic University, and we’re proud to support him as he works toward a rewarding career in healthcare. We’re proud to play a small part in helping ease the financial burden and support Thomas’s ambitions. Thomas is pictured here with Jess from our Yarra Junction branch.
-
Lila Kelly – Lila is not only another deserving recipient of our 2026 scholarships, she is a most grateful and ambitious young woman. Lila is currently studying a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Melbourne, and we’re proud to support her as she works toward achieving her long-term goal of a career in creative writing and the Arts. Lila expressed heartfelt gratitude for this support, and we’re delighted to play a small part in easing the financial pressures of study and helping her pursue her dream future. Lila is pictured here with Nicole from our Yarra Junction branch.
-
Anna Wilson – Our final Scholarship announcement for 2026… A huge congratulations to Anna Wilson from Don Valley! Anna has commenced her tertiary studies, undertaking a Bachelor of Education (Primary Teaching) at Deakin University, Geelong. We hope this financial support helps Anna reach for the stars and achieve all her academic goals. Go well, Anna—we’re so proud of you! Anna is pictured here with Emily from our Yarra Junction
Congratulations to all our Scholarship recipients for 2026—we wish you every success in your studies and future career!
Scholarships 2025
Congratulations are extended to Jackson Wetherall, Pearl Saurine, Jerikai Jones and Jacinta Tait who were each awarded a scholarship through the 2025 Community Bank Warburton and Yarra Junction Scholarship Program.
Meet the 2025 Recipients
-
Jackson Wetherall – Jackson is from Yarra Junction and studied at Upper Yarra Secondary College. Receiving a Scholarship to pursue a Bachelor of Society & Culture at Monash University.
-
Pearl Saurine – Pearl is from Yarra Junction and studied at Yarra Hills Secondary College
Receiving a Scholarship to pursue a Bachelor in Animal & Vet Biosciences at Latrobe University.
Pearl has also been a great supporter of our annual Community Calendar Competition and been successful as an U18 and People’s Choice winner. You guessed it, her photo subjects have always been nature related. -
Jacinta Tait – Jacinta is from McMahons Creek and studied at Upper Yarra Secondary College.
Receiving a Scholarship to pursue a Bachelor Natural & Physical Sciences at Monash University. -
Jerikai Jones – Jerikai is from Millgrove and studied at Upper Yarra Secondary College
Receiving a Scholarship to pursue a Bachelor of Creative Arts at Deakin University.
Scholarships 2024
We’re proud to congratulate Grace Cole, Ashlyn Hermansen, and Lucas Rush, who have each been awarded a $3,000 scholarship through the 2024 Community Bank Warburton and Yarra Junction Scholarship Program.
These outstanding Upper Yarra students have now joined our Scholarship Honour Roll and are thrilled to receive a valuable boost toward their tertiary education journey.
Meet the 2024 Recipients
-
Grace Cole – From Wesburn, Grace studied at Lilydale High School and will be commencing a Bachelor of Environmental Science (Wildlife and Conservation Biology) at Deakin University, Burwood.
-
Ashlyn Hermansen – From Launching Place, Ashlyn studied at Upper Yarra Secondary College and is beginning a Bachelor of Arts at Monash University, Caulfield Campus.
-
Lucas Rush – From Yarra Junction, Lucas also studied at Upper Yarra Secondary College and will start a Double Degree in Exercise and Sport Science / Business (Sport Management) at Deakin University, Burwood.
Each of these students demonstrated exceptional dedication to their studies despite facing challenging circumstances. Their applications highlighted the financial pressure of travel and course-related expenses—particularly while continuing to live at home—making this support especially meaningful.
“Supporting students towards tertiary study is part of our commitment to providing opportunities for local youth and building a stronger Upper Yarra community. It’s just one of the many ways we’re proud to invest back into the community we serve.” Kristy Sumner, Senior Branch Manager of Community Bank Warburton and Yarra Junction
Photo: 2024 Upper Yarra Scholarship Recipients L to R: Lucas Rush, Grace Cole, Bendigo Bank Branch Manager – Kristy Sumner, Ashlyn Hermansen
Scholarships 2023
Congratulations to the following who have each been awarded a $2,000 scholarship through the 2025 Community Bank Warburton and Yarra Junction Scholarship Program.
Meet the 2023 Recipients
- Katelin Harrison – From Gladysdale – Bachelor of Nursing / Bachelor of Paramedicine, Australian Catholic University.
- Sophie Gray – From Launching Place – Diploma of Nursing, Box Hill Institute of TAFE.
- Emily Hay – From Warburton – Double Degree in Science, Monash University.
- Brodie Voce – From Millgrove – Bachelor of Nursing, Federation University Australia.
- Amy Morris – From Wesburn – Diploma of Sport and Coaching Development, La Trobe University.
Scholarships 2022
Congratulations to the following who have each been awarded a $2,500 scholarship through the 2025 Community Bank Warburton and Yarra Junction Scholarship Program.
Meet the 2022 Recipients
- Jenny Morris – From Wesburn – Bachelor of Science / Bachelor of Paramedicine, Deakin University.
- Ayla Tsoumbakos – From Warburton – Bachelor of Nursing, Deakin University.
Scholarships 2021
Meet the 2021 Recipients
- Laura Jayne – From Warburton – Bachelor of Arts Degree, Victoria University.
- Ashlee Shotter – Launching Place – Nursing Diploma, Box Hill Institute of TAFE.
- Chelsea Szabo – Warburton – Bachelor of Design Degree, Melbourne University.
Scholarships 2020
Meet the 2020 Recipients
- Chelsea Neale – From Powelltown – Diploma in Community Services, Box Hill Institute of TAFE.
- Indiya Bosen – Bachelor of Biomedical Science, Monash University.
Scholarships 2019
Meet the 2019 Recipients
- Caitlyn Muir – Bachelor of Arts Degree, Melbourne University.
- Cody Dunne – Bachelor of Creative Arts, La Trobe University.
Scholarships 2018
Meet the 2018 Recipients
- Abigail Szabo – Bachelor of Laws, Monash University.
- Braden Taeuber – Diploma of Sports Development and Diploma of Leadership and Management, Swinburne University of Technology.
- Rachel Lee – Bachelor of Arts/Masters of Teaching (Secondary), Deakin University.
- Ebony Lily – Bachelor of Business, Deakin University.
Scholarships 2017
Meet the 2017 Recipients
- Mary McIntosh – Bachelor of Education, Monash University.
- Talitha Boone – Bachelor of Outdoor Education, La Trobe University.
- Sebastian Northey – Diploma of Digital Interactive Media, RMIT.
Scholarships 2016
Meet the 2015 Recipients
- Sarah Bamford – Bachelor of Nanotechnology, La Trobe University.
- Chelsea Barnard – Bachelor of Nursing, Australian Catholic University.
- Zak Gilsenan – Bachelor of Global Studies/Commerce degree, Australian Catholic University.
- Brigid Peeler – Diploma of Specialist Makeup Services, Victoria University.
Scholarships 2015
Meet the 2015 Recipients
- Kaitlyn Whitelaw – Bachelor of Paramedicine, Australian Catholic University.
- Sarah Enery – Diploma in Youth Work, Box Hill Institute of TAFE.
- Georgia Martin – Bachelor of Psychological Science Degree (second year), Deakin University.
Main image – L to R: Yarra Junction Branch Manager, Adam Whitworth, Georgia Martin, Emily Martin, Director Sarah Forbes, Kaitlyn Whitelaw and Tina Whitelaw.
Peter Kimberley, Chairman, with Sarah Enery.
Scholarships 2014
Meet the 2015 Recipient
- Georgia Martin – Bachelor of Psychological Science Degree, Deakin University.
