Charles Sturt University

Dawn Rigby Memorial Scholarship

Award value: $3500 annually

Level of study: Undergraduate / VET

Nationality: Australian

Closing date: Early February

Dawn had chosen teaching as her profession before leaving Newcastle Girls High School in 1946, but her family circumstances prevented her from commencing tertiary education. One of her older brothers had a friend, Alf, who upon learning of these circumstances, offered to be Dawn’s guarantor for her Teacher’s College Scholarship to Wagga Teachers College. Dawn began her training in a cold winter, July 1947, in the first intake of students. After their marriage, Dawn taught Infants and Primary children in the Newcastle and Hunter area and trained as a librarian later in her career. Dawn personally knew the benefits of encouraging children to read and learn. Dawn passed away in 2013. To honour Dawn’s passion, Alf wished to support teacher trainees who are in difficult financial circumstances but have a strong work ethic and demonstrate sound academic progress as well as a compassionate approach to educating children. Alf passed away in 2018. The Rigby family wish to continue to support their belief in young educators through these scholarships at Charles Sturt University. Pictured are Rigby family members Mr Russell Rigby and Mrs Anne Oliver.