Business and community supporters took to Wollongong Golf Club to help social housing tenants pursue study and work, backing a scholarship program set to pass $300,000 in support.
Housing Trust’s sixth annual Golf Day on November 6 marked the 10th anniversary of the Tylah West Education Scholarship, which has provided around $270,000 to 268 tenants. The next round of awards, for 2027, is expected to take the total beyond $300,000.
Housing Trust CEO Amanda Winks said practical costs could stand between someone and their next opportunity.
“We see firsthand the difference the right support at the right time can make. Sometimes the thing standing between someone and an opportunity is as practical as being able to afford a laptop, a school uniform, university costs or the tools they need to begin an apprenticeship,” she said.
“Income shouldn’t determine someone’s educational or employment outcomes, but we know financial disadvantage can create very real barriers to education and training.”
Over the past decade, the scholarships have helped pay for uniforms, laptops, course fees, tools and specialist equipment. Recipients have ranged from primary school children to mature-aged tenants returning to study or work.
The program honours Housing Trust trainee Tylah West, who died unexpectedly.
Money raised on Friday will also support the Housing Trust UOW Opportunity Scholarship, which helps students living in social or affordable housing across the Illawarra and Shoalhaven cover the costs of undergraduate study at the University of Wollongong.
The 18-hole Ambrose competition drew players from across the Illawarra and Sydney, with a Leapmotor electric vehicle and $75,000 cash among the hole-in-one prizes on offer.
Wollongong Golf Club Club Manager Simon Everett said the fundraiser had become one of the club’s biggest annual events.
“The Housing Trust Golf Day is always one of the best days on the course. There’s a fantastic atmosphere, and it brings together such a broad mix of people from across the community, including plenty who travel down from Sydney to take part.
“It’s one of our biggest days of the year and, after six years, it’s become an event we really look forward to hosting. Most importantly, everyone knows they’re out there having a great day while supporting a genuinely worthwhile cause.”