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Isolation and distance have been a huge hurdle for one of Country Education Foundation of Walgett’s first recipients.

Twenty-four-year-old Jacob Dennis has been proving to the Walgett community and district that those things don’t matter if you are passionate and motivated.

Jacob is one of nine grant recipients in 2017 from CEF Walgett, and was also named the winner of a Jimmy Little Foundation Scholarship.

He is currently in his second year of studying medicine at University of Newcastle.

“Growing up as a young Gamilaraay man in the small town of Walgett there are many obstacles that need to be overcome to reach academic success,” he said.

“I was unable to get an ATAR which held me back on the road to my degree and career. I had to do a university preparatory course for 18 months.”

“Originally my goal at Newcastle University was to study sport science, but after being exposed to the Newcastle academic environment I met some wonderful Aboriginal doctors.”

“Before going to university I didn’t even know that Aboriginal doctors existed!”

“This inspired me to pursue medicine as a career to be able to assist my community. On completion of my degree I will be one of the first 400 Aboriginal doctors in Australia.”

“I’m really grateful to the Country Education Foundation of Walgett and the Jimmy Little Foundation for helping me. I think Uncle Jimmy would be very proud of what I’m doing,” Jacob said.

Jacob is a true example of what can be achieved through access to education.

 

  • Jacob recieved $1000 from CEF Walgett and a further $1000 from the Jimmy Little Foundation at the recommendation of CEF Walgett. In 2017 Country Education Foundation of Walgett was able to help nine students from the area.
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