A partnership between Greater Western Water (GWW) and the not-for-profit organization Western Chances is providing vital support to students in Melbourne’s western suburbs through a scholarship program. Announced in May 2024, GWW committed $75,000 over three years as part of its Thriving Communities sponsorship initiative. This funding aims to help young people overcome barriers to education and employment.
Western Chances focuses on supporting students, particularly those from migrant backgrounds, who often face significant challenges in accessing educational and job opportunities. The organization offers scholarships, internships, and various events designed to empower these young individuals. GWW’s General Manager of Strategy and Partnerships, Kessia Thomson, emphasized the alignment of this partnership with GWW’s goal of fostering community connections and enhancing the quality of life in the region.
“Western Chances is all about keeping young people in education, creating equity and opportunity. This is brilliantly aligned with our goal to help build Thriving Communities,” Thomson said.
Since the collaboration began, a total of 44 students have received scholarship grants ranging from $650 to $1,000. These scholarships have been directed towards essential resources for students pursuing higher education, including textbooks, laptops, internet access, lab coats, and travel cards for those over 18.
In addition to direct financial support, the funding has facilitated four West Connect events aimed at enhancing students’ job readiness. Notable activities included a networking event focused on the graduate job market and an internship-focused event held in 2024. In 2025, the West Connect series expanded to include an event highlighting women in leadership, as well as a successful end-of-year celebration that brought together students, alumni, and sponsors.
GWW’s Head of Strategy and Sustainable Water Futures, Suzanne Knight, attended the recent celebration and noted the positive impact the program has had thus far. “I was delighted to meet with some of the students who have directly benefited from this important program, which is helping to meet a real need in our service area,” she stated.
The significance of this partnership is further underscored by remarks from Jackie Taylor, CEO of Western Chances. With the upcoming International Day of Education on January 24 serving as a poignant reminder, Taylor highlighted the importance of access to education as a crucial driver of community participation.
“With support from Greater Western Water, Western Chances removes financial and access barriers – through scholarships and West Connect – so young people in Melbourne’s west can participate fully in learning, be heard, and pursue meaningful study and work pathways,” Taylor explained.
This initiative not only addresses immediate financial needs but also reinforces the long-term goal of creating an equitable educational environment for students in the western suburbs of Melbourne.
