Each year the Community Bank Mansfield and District (Bendigo Bank) supports local students help fund their further education.

Since its inception in 2019, the scholarship program has invested $102,500 into transforming the lives of 19 local students, to enable their educational pursuits.

Recently Sarah Hearn from Radio Mansfield’s Youth Radio show chatted with Bendigo Bank’s Customer Service Officer Clare Ridler and 2025 scholarship recipient Phoebe Scott, to find out about the difference receiving a scholarship has made to Phoebe’s endeavours.

A once-local student with an interest in human rights and criminal law, Phoebe Scott is now studying a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Melbourne, majoring in Media and Communications, while minoring in Criminology.

"I chose communications as I’ve always had an interest in media, and journalism was one of those childhood jobs I considered which made me interested in the subject," Phoebe said.

She sees her undergraduate degree as a crucial step, explaining to study law at Melbourne University she first needs to acquire an undergraduate degree, with graduating as a lawyer her long-term goal in addition to her study in media.

Phoebe first learned about the scholarship opportunity through a family friend, who had also been a successful recipient.

"She said it had proved really helpful and encouraged me to apply," Phoebe said.

Her reaction to being selected was one of sincere gratitude with the scholarship's impact immediate and profound.

"It has obviously helped financially and relieved that additional stress,” she said.

“As a uni student you’re already under quite a bit of pressure with all the work, so it helps to be able to focus more on you academics.”

Knowing her local community is invested in her future is also a powerful motivator.

"I think it’s wonderful what the bank is doing in supporting the community and on a personal level in supporting my educational journey," Phoebe said.

"It’s nice to know that such an organisation cares for its locals and makes an effort to genuinely help people’s lives."

In turn Phoebe hopes to give back to her community, driven by the desire to be a voice for local people in the legal system, especially in the sphere of human rights.

“I know interactions with the legal system can be stressful and I hope to help people work through a difficult time," she said.

When asked what advice she'd offer future applicants, Phoebe was emphatic.

"I would advise everyone thinking of going on to further study to apply for the scholarship especially if they need any financial help."

She noted the bank offers multiple scholarships, adding one of her best friends was also a beneficiary of a scholarship which despite being a slightly smaller amount also proved incredibly beneficial.

Clare, Customer Service Officer at the Bendigo Bank, explained how the program is funded and the scope of the local impact.

"It’s a profit-for-purpose model, meaning profits from anyone who banks with the Community Bank Mansfield & District, is then reinvested back into the community that generated them.

"We invest 80 per cent of all profits back into our community every year, supporting local projects, community groups and initiatives."

The decision to invest in education was simple she said.

"We launched this program because we believe our local students deserve every opportunity to achieve their dreams."

The bank's total investment to date is an impressive $1.8 million in shared profits.

Phoebe thanked the bank and the board for the amazing opportunity.

“And to all the locals who support the bank which makes these initiatives possible thank you," she said.

The Scholarship Program offers several University and TAFE scholarships and is now in its seventh year, supporting local students facing challenging circumstances.

This year, the Community Bank has also teamed up with the Stinchcombe Foundation, adding an additional $10,000 scholarship, focused around supporting practical-based learning.

Applications are now open for the 2026 Community Bank Mansfield & District Scholarship Program.

Applications close 23 January 23rd, with scholarships awarded in early February.