My journey with the Greater Shepparton Foundation has come full circle, and it all started with saying yes to an opportunity.
In 2024, I expressed my interest in the Regional Journalism Fellowship, supported by the Greater Shepparton Foundation, Melbourne Press Club and The News.
I was fortunate to be selected and spent 2025 discovering what a career in journalism looked like.
After seeing first-hand what the foundation could offer, I knew I wanted to take another step.
I applied for a Lift Off Scholarship for 2026 to support my Bachelor of Media and Communications.
Moving to Melbourne was exciting, but also daunting.
I had actually deferred the previous year due to financial fears surrounding the move.
Receiving the scholarship was a game changer.
It gave me financial breathing room and, perhaps most importantly, reminded me that I had an entire community back home believing in me.
Now, having completed my first year of university, I’ve returned to the Greater Shepparton Foundation as an intern over the summer break.
It's pretty special to think that the Lift Off Scholarship I applied for in 2024 has now led to three years of experiences, learning and connections.
My biggest piece of advice? Just apply.
You don't need to have everything figured out, and you certainly don't know where an opportunity might lead until you give it a go.
I'm proof that one application can open more doors than you ever expected.
Apply for a Lift Off Education Scholarship at greatershepparton.foundation
Applications close on Monday, December 14 at 9am.
Pip Turton
Greater Shepparton Foundation intern
