Our Rising Stars

Inanna Shea

At the age of 40, former Sydney and Blue Mountains resident Inanna Shea has finally found what she says will be her long-term home after moving to Lismore to study environmental science. Inanna, who is studying a Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management, is the recipient of a $15,000 Lismore City Council Mayoral Scholarship, part of the University’s Rising Stars Scholarship Program. As a single mum, Inanna has until now not had the opportunity to study despite a strong interest in environmental issues. “I completed the Preparing for Success program at the Coffs Harbour campus which was fantastic. I got heaps out of that and it gave me the confidence I needed. I have studied at private colleges and TAFE before, but never at uni,” she said. After completing the course, Inanna moved to Lismore to begin her degree in February this year. “I really love the course and I was encouraged to apply for the Scholarship. It was a complete surprise to receive it, but it’s just meant so much to me,” she said. “Like all other students money is an issue and for me this is just perfect timing. It’s not only the financial incentive but it’s allowed me to get to know people at the Lismore City Council. “They made it really clear they wanted the students to get involved in the community and they were very welcoming. I love Lismore – it’s the first place I have felt really at home and I feel like this will become my long-term home.” In addition to her study, Inanna has been doing volunteer work in rainforest restoration and after visiting her now 20-year-old daughter for a few weeks, will be returning to Lismore to work as a volunteer with the Friends of the Koala over summer. Lismore City Council Mayor Jenny Dowell said the annual scholarships were a meaningful way of supporting students faced with the difficult task of making ends meet during their studies. “These scholarships encourage students to stay in the local area and provide them with financial assistance, allowing for more focus on their studies,” she said.

Our Rising Stars
	Sami Newnham Sami Takes to the Air Former Summerland Credit Union Scholarship recipient, Sami Newnham talks about her time at SCU and her work with Katherine School of the Air.
	Lynne Beames A positive contribution It has taken Lynne Beames six decades of life experience to find her calling, but she reckons that working closely with Indigenous communities is where her heart is.
	Moacir Palacios Scholarship makes dream a reality When 15-year-old Moacir Palacios fled Nicaragua five years ago to escape a home life of violence and poverty, he could never have imagined the path his life would take.
	Janine Kroemer Janine Kroemer is a Pitta Pitta girl of NW Qld raised on the southern coastlines of Australia. Janine says the journeys and time at Southern Cross Tweed Heads is an experience she will never forget.
	Jay Hooker Jay receives support for studies Determined Elanora-based student Jay Hooker is putting his scholarship to good use as he works to complete his studies at Southern Cross University's Tweed Gold Coast campus.
	Jessica Waldron Jessica wants to help others For Jessica Waldron, the idea of doing something meaningful to help others was the motivating factor in choosing to study a Bachelor of Nursing at Southern Cross University.
	Carleen Corrie When you are rebuilding your life from scratch, a helping hand along the way can make a world of difference and that’s how it was for Southern Cross University Bachelor of Social Sciences student Carleen Corrie.