Now in her first year of a Bachelor of Nursing at La Trobe, Charlee’s journey has been shaped not just by family inspiration, but by support that has drawn the attention of international philanthropists.
“My Nan’s always been really passionate about nursing, and growing up hearing her stories definitely inspired me,” Charlee said. “Taking her through the labs after my first exams felt really special.”
For Ms Lines, the visit was a moment of reflection on how much nursing education, particularly in regional Australia, has evolved.
“Mildura’s got such a beautiful set‑up for nurses coming on,” she said. “It’s so realistic and completely different to what we had back in ’68 and ’69.”
Inspired by her grandmother, Charlee spent her Year 12 focused on gaining entry to La Trobe and enrolled in the Regional Pathways Program, which supports senior secondary students to transition into university study through academic preparation and conditional offers.
“I’m really glad that I did it because it’s helped me so much,” Charlee said. “It eased my way into uni and made everything feel a lot less overwhelming, especially around exams.”
As a graduate of the Regional Pathways Program, Charlee was also awarded a Pathways to Education and Knowledge (PEAK) Scholarship, funded through a major investment by the Canada‑based McCall MacBain Foundation - a global philanthropic organisation known for supporting education and leadership initiatives around the world.
The Foundation’s $1 million donation is supporting 100 students across La Trobe’s regional campuses, providing $5,000 per year for up to three years, alongside mentoring and leadership development opportunities. The investment reflects growing international recognition of the impact La Trobe is having in regional communities.
For Charlee, the scholarship has made a tangible difference in her first year at university.
“It’s definitely helped me relax a little bit,” she said. “I feel like a lot of plates have tipped off my shoulders now. Knowing that support is there has taken away a lot of pressure and allowed me to focus on my study.”
She said the scholarship has also encouraged her to engage more deeply with her university experience.
“It’s motivated me to do more learning outside of what I normally would,” she said. “It makes you want to make the most of the opportunity that’s been given to you.”
Studying close to home, supported by programs designed specifically for regional students, has reinforced Charlee’s belief that she can build both a career and a future in her own community.
“It means a lot knowing that people—locally, nationally, and even internationally—believe in regional students,” she said. “Programs like Pathways and the PEAK scholarship make uni feel possible.”
