RMHC : VICTAS Charlie Bell Scholarship Recipients 2020

What is the Charlie Bell Scholarship?

Charlie Bell was the first Australian global CEO of McDonald’s. His legacy continues through grants and enables RMHC Chapters to award annual scholarships to young people impacted by illness.

The scholarship is a one-off grant of $5,000 that gives kids the chance to get their schooling or career back on track while they are recovering from a serious illness or injury. It is for students who are transitioning to TAFE or university and supports the cost of transport, school fees, accommodation, books and equipment.

To be eligible for the scholarship, students must be between 15-20 years of age, been treated at a Children’s hospital for seriously illness or injury and is able to attend a tertiary or vocational institution such as university or TAFE.

Each year the committee selects recipients of the scholarship and it is never an easy decision. They take into consideration the impact of the person's health and condition, their social disadvantage, community involvement, passion for their career pathway and how the scholarship will assist them.

With that being said, we are so honoured to announce our 2020 recipients of the Charlie Bell Scholarship and their inspiring stories.

Meet our 2020 recipents of the Charlie Bell Scholarship

Kale McQuade

Kale is an established amateur film maker and is passionate about expression and storytelling through the lens. Kale has Marfan Syndrome that effects many parts of his body, including a vision impairment and severe scoliosis requiring a spinal fusion. Despite facing much adversity well beyond his own health challenges, Kale continues to remain focused and positive, prioritising his education, own health management and his special bond with his family. Kale’s desire to pursue further studies in the film and television industry is currently being fulfilled. His hard work and determination has be recognised and he is currently completing BA in Film production at SAE Creative Institute.

Justin Goh

Justin is a remarkable young person who has, through much adversity, completed his VCE with outstanding results. In 2015, Justin experinced servere infections which resulted in multiple limb amputations, long hospital stays and numerous outpatient appointments. During his journey, Justin went through multiple intensive rehabilitation programs and has since improved his quality of life. Throughout Justin’s secondary schooling and now in his tertiary studies, Justin has continued to adapt, master new skills and dream. Justin is passionate about the endless possibilities of technology and had hopes of studying Software engineering. A credit to Justin’s exceptional drive, positivity and commitment to his studies, this year that dream is being fulfilled and Justin has commenced a BA Science – Computing and Software Systems and Melbourne University.

Caitlin Jones

Caitlin has passion for Psychology and in particular, she would love to one day pursue a career in Forensic Psychology. Caitlin was born with Cleidocranial Dysplasia, a condition that impacts the development of her teeth and bones. As a result of her condition, Caitlin also has a hearing and vision impairment.. Caitlin not only managed her own health but also assumed a carer role for other family members while they were unwell. Caitlin is commended for her determination to excel in her studies, despite the numerous challenges that she continues to face . It is not surprising that Caitlin’s kind and caring nature for others has led her to a current pathway completing a Diploma in Community Services at Victorian Polytech. On completion of this, Caitlin hopes to bridge over to University to commence her BA in Psychology.

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