UNE Foundation Tamworth Scholarship Winner

Mackenzie Greer, Bachelor of Social Work,

UNE Foundation Tamworth Scholarship winner

Working in foster care, Mackenzie Greer sees what can happen when families do not receive the support they need. And the UNE Bachelor of Social Work student is determined to do her bit to change that.

"Social work programs for families in rural and regional town are completely understaffed," said Mackenzie. "I want to help retain access to services in communities, to maintain consistency and relationships, so we are not forcing children and their families to travel to Newcastle or Sydney to get the help they need. I've seen what happens when it's too late for social workers to become involved."

Now in the third year of her degree, Mackenzie lives in Tamworth, where she helps develop and recruit foster carers. Before that, she worked in residential group homes for foster children.

"It's a financial necessity for me to work full-time, but I also find it means I'm more productive with my studies," said Mackenzie.

Receiving a UNE Foundation Tamworth Scholarship* this year has "made a major difference". "It was such good news and basically means I can take three months' unpaid leave from work and go and do my first social work placement," Mackenzie said. "There was a lot of stress for me around whether I could afford to do the placement. Getting the scholarship has enabled me to focus on the experience and the learning it will provide."

*The UNE Foundation Tamworth Scholarship was developed by stakeholders including the UNE Foundation, Tamworth Regional Council and generous donors to assist students living in the Tamworth, Gunnedah and Liverpool Plains local government areas.

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