SpineCare Foundation

Each year Northcott and The SpineCare Foundation proudly administer a suite of scholarship offerings;

The Gregory and Dolores Farrell Scholarship

The Gregory and Dolores Farrell Scholarships are supported by the family of the late Gregory and Dolores Farrell. Gregory Patrick Farrell OAM was a Founding Director of The SpineCare Foundation (established in 1981 as the Children’s Spinal Research Foundation). Funded by The Farrell Foundation and family members, this scholarship is open to students attending university who use a wheelchair as a primary form of mobility.

The Thomas K.F. Taylor Scholarship

Created in honour of one of The SpineCare Foundation’s Founding Directors, Professor Thomas Taylor remained an active contributor of The Foundation until his passing in 2016. This scholarship is a legacy of Professor Taylor’s immense passion for people who use wheelchairs furthering their education. Funded by The SpineCare Foundation, this scholarship is open to students with a disability attending university who use a wheelchair as a primary form of mobility.

The Thomas Hepburn Lennox Scholarship

This scholarship was established in memory of Thomas Hepburn Lennox (“Tom”). Tom migrated to Australia from Scotland in the 1940s, learned his trade as a plumber and acquired his passion as a plumbing teacher at TAFE, where he worked for over 40 years. Tom’s convivial and inspiring character endeared him to his students, many of whom became lifelong friends. That character of generosity extended to Tom’s involvement with The Northcott Society, where he worked as a volunteer for nearly 20 years. During his time at Northcott the scholarship was established to The scholarships assist customers in areas which may fall outside other available benefits. Tom’s passion for education is reflected in the objectives of the scholarship to assist Northcott customers in broad educational needs. Funded by Thomas Hepburn Lennox Scholarship Trust, this scholarship is open to students with a permanent disability who are past or present Northcott customers, studying at University, TAFE or a Registered Training Organisation. Priority of support is to people from disadvantaged financial backgrounds.

Wendy Hall Scholarship

Shortly before passing away in early 2015, beloved and long-serving Northcott staff member Wendy Hall asked her family and friends to donate money in lieu of flowers. Wendy requested that the money be used to fund a Northcott scholarship that would enable people with disability to further their education. Wendy was passionate about ensuring people with disability had equitable access to appropriate services.

Funded through donations raised by Wendy’s family, friends and colleagues, this scholarship is open to students with a permanent disability who are past or present Northcott customers, studying at University, TAFE or a Registered Training Organisation. Priority of support is to people who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, are from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, or live in rural and remote areas.

If you’re planning on attending University in 2025 and use a wheelchair for mobility, consider applying for a scholarship! The main round for applications will be in November/December each year, however we welcome enquires at other times to discuss your unique circumstances.

Empowering people to believe, strive and achieve

Are you studying or planning to study at University, TAFE or a Registered Training Organisation in 2025? Do you have a disability and are motivated to gain a formal qualification? Northcott and The SpineCare Foundation are proud to award scholarships to people with a physical disability who are considering or currently enrolled in tertiary study. These offerings are made possible by the support of several Trusts and Foundations, united by a common commitment to support people with disability to further their education.

The purpose

The aim of each scholarship is to support a student’s integration into tertiary education. It is known that students with disability may have additional obstacles to overcome in accessing tertiary education, particularly the additional costs involved, which can be considerable and variable.

Eligibility criteria

Applicants must have a primary disability, be an Australian citizen, have been accepted into or be enrolled in tertiary study in NSW. Students who are proceeding to a higher degree (post-graduate) in Australia or overseas are also welcome to apply.

Use of funds

Awarded scholarship recipients may use the funds to assist with tertiary study costs such as library and internet charges, purchase of text books, on-campus accommodation, transport costs, computer hardware and software, stationery, personal care and scribes/tutors. Funds may not be used for course fees (including HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP).

Applications for the 2025 academic year are opening soon

Steps:

1. Read the Student Handbook and Scholarships for Tertiary Education Booklet
2. Complete the Application Form (available here soon), either in writing, via video or other preferred format (ensuring that you respond to the application questions).
3. Submit your application by Wednesday 20 November 2024.
4. Be available for interview time TBA late November (either in person at Northcott’s North Parramatta office or video link), for select applicants

Any questions, contact us via phone or email below.