South Metropolitan (SM) TAFE community services student Dee-Arne Hovingh has received the City of Mandurah’s Nikki Wise Scholarship for 2018 in recognition of her volunteer work.
The Mandurah resident completed her student work placement with ‘The Crew’, an organisation supporting homeless people in the Rockingham/Kwinana area, volunteering weekly at their community BBQ.
The Nikki Wise Community Services Memorial Scholarship is provided by the City of Mandurah to assist passionate members of the Mandurah community wishing to study in the area of community services.
The scholarship honours the legacy of Nikki Wise, who was devoted to helping those in need, and who sadly passed away in September 2016.
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Ms Hovingh said the scholarship will help her attend more community events.
“It will help build my confidence, and learn and utilise skills in the industry that will enable me to further support struggling families and the homeless,” she said.
SM TAFE community services portfolio manager Rosalie Duke-Stanley said Ms Hovingh was currently studying a Certificate IV in community services at the Mandurah campus in order to transition back into the workforce.
“This scholarship will give her the financial boost needed to be able to complete her qualification and gain meaningful employment,” she said.
Ms Hovingh said studying community services at TAFE helped her recognise the needs of the community.
“I want to say how amazingly supportive my lecturers have been. They have encouraged me to contribute more within the community,” she said.
“I’d also like to acknowledge the City of Mandurah, and Nikki Wise. She positively impacted the lives of so many with her generous heart.”
SM TAFE community services qualifications in Mandurah range from Certificate III, IV and Diploma in a variety of specialties including youth work, mental health and disability.
Visit the SM TAFE website at southmetrotafe.wa.edu.au for more information on available courses.
