Ava is the daughter of well known Gunbower dairy farmers, Steven and Brooke Brown.
Ava attended Saint Joseph’s College, Echuca and has now commenced a Bachelor of Arts at the Australian National University.
The philanthropic group, Francis Gregory Foundation, met at University College on Sunday, May 3 to celebrate with Ava and her family.
On the day, scholarships were presented to James Gilmore, to study a Bachelor of Science (Monash University) and to Lucas Murphy, to study a Bachelor of Science (University of Melbourne).
The Francis Gregory Foundation was established by June Harvey, granddaughter of the late Francis Gregory, a pioneer of Lardner.
Scholarships bequeathed by the foundation provide assistance to children of farming families seeking to pursue university education—particularly students who may not have this opportunity without financial support.
The Foundation’s funds were derived from the sale of the Gregory farm at Lardner, as selected by Francis in 1875.
June herself would not have been able to attend university if not for the Secondary Studentship Scheme, which was in operation when she was young.
Like many other farmers, her parents had assets in their farm; however, money was not readily available to meet the costs of a university education, especially when this entailed living away from home.
June’s wish is to provide scholarships to Year 12 students from families engaged in primary production who may not otherwise be able to continue on to tertiary education.
Francis Gregory Foundation formed in 2012 and has been providing scholarships to Victorian students from primary production families, since 2014.
Scholarships are valued at $6000 per year for the term of the student’s undergraduate studies.
To date 18 scholarships have been awarded to students.
Students have come from across Victoria and studies to date have included Agriculture, Pharmacy, Engineering, Communication, Audiology and Radiography.
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