Scholarship Application Form
Closing date: Monday 10th November 2025
THE YAHS OLD YANCONIANS’ FOUNDATION
The YAHS Old Yanconians’ Foundation strives to assist all students to fulfill their inherent capacity by offering a range of scholarships which include rural, indigenous, academic & citizenship scholarships.
Information on each scholarship is provided below.
All scholarships are advertised each October and announced at Presentation Day in December each year, for the following academic year. The scholarships will be reviewed annually.
How to apply:
Application for all scholarships must be made using the YAHS Old Yanconians’ Scholarship form.
Applicants may apply for more than one scholarship on the form.
The completed form and requested supporting documentation should be emailed to:
Rural And Indigenous Scholarships
The YAHS Old Yanconians’ Foundation in partnership with The Halliday Foundation is offering three rural and two indigenous residential half scholarships for students attending Yanco Agricultural High School in Years 7 to 11.
The scholarships will be considered on a gender diversity and hardship basis and offered in addition to support students who may be eligible for AIC, BSIB, LAFHA or Centrelink financial assistance.
Each scholarship has specific, key selection criteria along with the overall selection criteria based upon the guiding values identified for the development of students at YAHS. We encourage all students to develop scholarship, citizenship, responsible leadership, personal integrity and sportsmanship. The identified guiding values on which all candidates for the scholarships will be assessed include a combination of a number of the following:
- a love of learning and search for knowledge
- an appreciation of effort, enterprise and excellence
- the recognition of the achievement of others
- co-operation and teamwork
- the virtue of self-discipline
- a concern for the rights, beliefs and welfare of others
- a respect for the finite environment
- courtesy, honesty and trustworthiness
The seven rural scholarships have been named after significant early students who attended the school and the two indigenous scholarships in recognition of Country.
The Keith Godfrey Rural Residential, Academic Scholarship up to $5,000
Keith Godfrey was an original student in 1922. He was the first boy to arrive in February 1922. Keith authored the school War Cry and said he was influenced in style by ‘Banjo’ Paterson. The War Cry was first used at the Cowra football carnival on 29th August that year. Keith played in the First XIII team on the day. After leaving Yanco Ag, Keith became a farmer in western NSW.
The Phyllis Breakwell Rural Residential, Academic Scholarship up to $5,000
Phyllis was the daughter of the first principal and school matron, Ernest and Lily Breakwell. She transferred from Sydney Girls’ High to Yanco Ag in 1923, completing her Intermediate Certificate in 1924. Phyllis returned to Sydney Girls’ High to complete her Leaving Certificate with Honours in English before gaining her BA in 1929 aged 19, at Sydney University, as the youngest university graduate at the time and later gained her DipEd. Phyllis then returned to Sydney Girls’ High in 1931 as a teacher. She married George “Bill” Barratt in 1934 before resigning from teaching as was required of married women at the time!
The Les Davenport Rural Residential, Academic Scholarship up to $5,000
Les was an original student in 1922. He was also a King’s Scout, a senior prefect at Yanco, a member of the unbeaten First XIII team and a long-distance runner. After graduating from Hawkesbury then Sydney Teachers’ College he became a teacher. By 1930, Les was an agricultural instructor at Muswellbrook Rural School. He was a Flight Lieutenant in the RAAF during World War II. After the war, he was involved as Chief Adviser for rehabilitation programs involving over 3 million refugees in West Germany. He returned home in 1952 to recommence teaching. He retired as a school principal at Jannali Public School.
Two Wiradjuri Country Residential, Academic Scholarships for Indigenous Students up to $5,000 each
The Wiradjuri Nation is located in central New South Wales. The Wiradjuri are known as the people of the three rivers being the Macquarie River (Wambool), the Lachlan River (Kalari) and the Murrumbidgee River (Murrumbidjeri) which border their lands. As the school adjoins the Murrumbidgee River, its location is towards the southern boundary of Wiradjuri Country.
Four George and Pat Hetrel Residential, Academic Scholarships up to $5,000 each
George attended Yanco Ag between 1945 and 1947. After leaving Yanco, George’s inspiration was to manufacture confectionary. The big turning point came in the early 1970s when he produced confectionary which he called ‘Rocky Road’. The product enjoyed tremendous market acceptance and became a launching pad for his company which went on to supply over 2,000 independent milk bars in Australia and New Zealand.
The Old Yanconians' Foundation Citizenship Scholarships
The YAHS Old Yanconians' Foundation is offering two Citizenship scholarships (Arthur Doubleday & Jean Hindmarsh) for students attending Yanco Agricultural High School for Years 11 to 12 in 2024.
The residential, half scholarships are aimed at supporting students who are committed to making a positive difference in their communities and the world, and who possess the skills and knowledge necessary to become effective global citizens.
The scholarship awards will consider gender diversity and may also consider other factors, such as financial need and geographic location. They are offered in addition to any support students may be eligible to receive through AIC, BSIB, LAFHA or Centrelink financial assistance.
In addition to the and residential half scholarships, recipients will have access to leadership training and professional mentoring.
The scholarships will be advertised widely each October and announced at Presentation Day in December each year, for the following academic year. The scholarships will be reviewed annually and available, subject to funding.
A selection panel comprising the Principal, Deputy Principal (Day School) and Deputy Principal (Residential) will consider applications provided by students.
The Criteria:
To be eligible for a Citizenship Scholarship, applicants must demonstrate a strong commitment in several of following key areas:
1. Community Service:
The applicant should have a demonstrated commitment to serving their community, whether through volunteering, activism, or leadership roles in local organisations.
2. Leadership:
The applicant should demonstrate leadership skills, such as the ability to inspire and motivate others, to take initiative, and to work collaboratively in achieving common goals.
3. Cultural Competence:
The applicant should demonstrate a strong understanding and appreciation of diversity and cultural competence, including an ability to work effectively with people from different backgrounds.
4. Global Awareness:
The applicant should have a strong commitment to global issues, such as environmental sustainability, human rights, and social justice.
5. Civic Engagement:
The applicant should demonstrate an understanding of and engagement with the political process, including an interest in policy, advocacy, and civic participation.
6. Academic Endeavour:
The applicant should be making academic progress, demonstrating a commitment to learning and intellectual curiosity.
7. Personal Character:
The applicant should demonstrate strong personal character, including integrity, honesty, and a willingness to take responsibility for their actions.
The Intent:
The aim of these scholarships is to support students in Years 11 and 12 at YAHS who exhibit qualities of community service, leadership, diversity, and personal growth. The intention is to further nurture these attributes through a structured and formal approach.
Applicants should showcase traits of good citizenship within both YAHS and their local communities. This includes:
- Assisting fellow Yanco students in reaching their potential.
- Participating in the planning, management, and execution of YAHS programs.
- Actively contributing to the wellbeing of their community members.
- Supporting initiatives that boost the contribution of local agricultural producers to the regional economy.
- Engaging in programs that enhance the environment and resources necessary for primary production.
These scholarships are valid for 12 months and can be extended by another 12 months, depending on the accomplishments during the initial scholarship period and subject to funding. Applications should clearly outline the nature of the intended contributions in their designated area of citizenship. These objectives should be quantifiable in terms of activities and outcomes.
During the application process, applicants should identify additional training opportunities. The expenses related to any approved training will be covered, in addition to the residential citizenship scholarship.
Furthermore, applicants should indicate their interest in a mentorship arrangement as part of their application.
The school may choose to nominate students who demonstrate several of the abovementioned criteria, for scholarship consideration.
The two rural citizenship scholarships have been named after significant early students who have attended the school.
Arthur Doubleday Residential, Citizenship Scholarship up to $5,000 with approved associated expenses
Arthur attended Yanco Ag (1925-1927), before returning to the family farm at Methul near Coolamon. He enlisted in the air force in World War II, rising to the rank of Wing Commander and became a member of Bomber Command. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Order, Distinguished Flying Cross, and was mentioned in Dispatches. Following demobilisation, Arthur became Director of Civil Aviation in Queensland and later in NSW.
Jean Hindmarsh Residential, Citizenship Scholarship up to $5,000 with approved associated expenses
Jean Hindmarsh was the daughter of Percival Hindmarsh, YAHS third Principal. She was the second female student and was enrolled at YAHS between 1935 and 1937, gaining her Intermediate Certificate. She completed her Leaving Certificate in Sydney following her father’s transfer to Hurlstone Agricultural High School in 1938. She maintained an active interest in school activities and in the Old Yanconians’ Union thereafter.