Not-for-profit education and employment organisation OCTEC Limited is again inviting applications for its new scholarship program aimed at supporting people from Western NSW who wish to pursue further education at TAFE, a Registered Training Organisation or university.

 Launched in 2023, the OCTEC Limited Glenn Taylor Scholarship is named for former OCTEC board member, small business owner and Orange City Councillor Glenn Taylor.

Described as a “man of the people” who supported “the battler”, Mr Taylor passed away in January 2022 after a long battle with cancer.

The scholarships are open to residents in Barwon, Bathurst, Cabonne, Cootamundra, Dubbo, Murray, Orange and Parkes state parliamentary areas who are pursuing study next year and are experiencing socio-economic disadvantage or hardship.

Each prospective student can benefit from up to $20,000 of support per annum and multiple scholarships are available. There is no applicant age limit and students aged 15 years upwards can apply. Applications will be assessed on need or merit.

OCTEC Limited Chair Jeff Whitton said the scholarship program honours Mr Taylor’s commitment to community development.

“OCTEC’s experience on the frontline showcases the width and depth of missed opportunities, inequality and unidentified talent in regional and rural areas,” Mr Whitton said.

State Parliament Member for Orange Phil Donato encourages students of all ages to apply, saying this is a “wonderful opportunity to make a real point of difference in their lives. It’s a great investment that OCTEC are making into our next generation. I’m only too happy to get on board and support it,” Mr Donato said. 

For more information on the OCTEC Limited Glenn Taylor Scholarship, or to apply, visit www.octec.org.au.

Applications close in early February, 2024.