New scholarships to support young Melville changemakers into university

29 September 2026

The City of Melville is partnering with Murdoch University to deliver a new scholarship for young people making a positive impact in our local community.

The City of Melville is partnering with Murdoch University to deliver a new scholarship for young people making a positive impact in our local community. 

The City of Melville and Murdoch University are proud to announce a new stream of the Ngala Kwop Biddi Brighter Futures Scholarship for people aged 19 to 25 living in the Melville local government area. 

The scholarship is designed for young people entering university after a minimum of twelve months post-secondary school who have demonstrated leadership, advocacy or meaningful community involvement in one of three priority areas: Sustainability, First Nations or Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. 

Successful applicants will receive a $12,000 scholarship from Murdoch University, and access to leadership and development mentoring throughout their academic journey. 

Murdoch University Vice Chancellor Professor Andrew Deeks said the Ngala Kwop Biddi Brighter Futures Scholarships were the first of their kind in Western Australia, and a reflection of the University’s commitment to Sustainability; First Nations; and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. 

“Social justice, environmental stewardship and inclusivity are at the heart of everything Murdoch University stands for, along with our commitment to education excellence and innovation,” Professor Deeks said. 

“Starting locally and driving change in your own community is a fantastic way to make a difference and we are thrilled to be able to extend this scholarship program to changemakers in Melville. 

“We are grateful to the City of Melville for helping us deliver this new scholarship.” 

City of Melville Mayor Katy Mair said the City was proud to partner with Murdoch University for the Ngala Kwop Biddi Brighter Futures Scholarship. 

“The City of Melville values the contributions of young people to help create a vibrant, sustainable and inclusive Melville, and by supporting this new scholarship, we want to help young people who have demonstrated proactive and impactful leadership. 

“If you are demonstrating leadership, advocacy or meaningful community involvement in one of the three priority areas of Sustainability, First Nations or Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, I strongly encourage you to apply.” 

City of Melville resident Aeva Veitch was awarded a Brighter Futures Scholarship in recognition of her work across a number of sustainability projects while at high school. 

Aeva worked on a project called 'Eco Sisters', a program run by students from Year 7 to 12 to drive sustainability initiatives, including awareness events, recycling programs and a revegetation program, and is now studying Veterinary Science at Murdoch. 

“I’ve always been passionate about animal health and wellbeing, and so this scholarship has allowed me to pursue my dream of becoming a veterinarian, especially in Murdoch’s celebrated vet course. 

“Through the Brighter Future’s Scholarship, I’ve been able connect with like-minded people - and by sharing my story, I hope to motivate and inspire others to take part in sustainable activities, and make a positive impact on their community.” 

Scholarship nominees must meet the university’s entry requirements for a Bachelor Degree, which can be met via Year 12 results, accredited CertIV, a university enabling pathway, or portfolio/experienced based entry. 

Applicants must demonstrate proactive and impactful leadership through their contributions to the Melville community that aligns with at least one of the scholarship’s three focus areas of Sustainability, First Nations or Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. 

For full eligibility requirements, application information and closing dates, visit the Murdoch University Scholarships for good webpage. 

To find out more about courses on offer at Murdoch University visit our courses page. 

Image: City of Melville Mayor Katy Mair, previous Brighter Futures Scholarship recipient Aeva Veitch and Murdoch University Vice Chancellor Andrew Deeks.

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