Phillipa Walters Bursary Award

The Rotary Club of Katherine’s annual bursary has been won by Dawnellen Batkin.  The Club received some excellent applications, and it was hard to make a decision.  

Dawnellen is in Melbourne studying at Monash University for a degree in occupational therapy. She told Rotary Club president Chris Dixon “The money I receive will help me so much by relieving some of the financial burden of moving away from home to study. I will use the money to buy my needed textbooks for my classes, my laboratory equipment (lab coat and safety glasses), as well as more general items such as stationary/notebooks and other things needed for my course.“

The Philippa Walters Bursary Award was established by Brian Walters (ex Rotarian) many years ago to commemorate  his wife, Philippa. Philippa wanted to help young people get to university, but she knew that studying at University was expensive. Brian donated some money to the Rotary Club of Katherine and every year, the club raises funds through community events in order to give $3000 to the bursary recipient. A huge vote of thanks goes to a local family who recently donated funds sufficient for 5 years.  

Many people will know of Dawnellen, a Katherine girl born and bred.  She attended Katherine High School and while studying in tear 12 (for which she received a DUX in 2 subjects) she, also completed a Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance and helped many people at Katherine Hospital. 

The Rotary Club of Katherine is positive Dawnellen will become a great occupational therapist and make Katherine proud of her.