Five Awarded Career Changing Scholarship thanks to Wiltshire Family

Professor Kenneth Wiltshire AO, Beryl’s son, was proud to congratulate the winners on behalf of his late mother, an extraordinary contributor to the Churches of Christ story and ethos. Ken shared many personal anecdotes about Beryl, which included her drive to help people and support those wanting to further their education by giving them a leg up. Ken shared that Beryl was often discreet in her donations and financial support, with the full scale her assistance of those connected with Churches of Christ being revealed after her passing. The Wiltshire family are proud to continue Beryl’s legacy by supporting the scholarship, so those awarded can further their education and go on to make a difference in people’s lives through the work they do.

A total scholarship pool of $25,000 was divided between five winners who included people that were either Churches of Christ in Queensland employees or church attendees—all who had study costs to meet in the near future. The winners included some who were studying nursing, others who were studying social work, and others who were connecting their studies to ministry.

Churches of Christ Board Chair, Nigel, presented the awards to each of the winners and shared some of their personal stories. As with all who are associated with Churches of Christ in Queensland, everyone had their own personal story and journey of how they got to where they are today, what inspires them as a person, and what they hope to do in the future. The one common theme was the intention to provide care and Christ-led service to clients and colleagues alike. 

Many also had family commitments and a desire to support the communities they live and work in. The winners included:

Kathrina O who joined the team at Churches of Christ in Warwick in 2023 as an enrolled nurse. Kathrina wanted to have more input in providing person-centred care, so she applied and was accepted into a Bachelor of Nursing at the University of Southern Queensland. Kathrina commenced this degree in 2024 and shared that she has loved every moment of it so far. She said, “I feel I am a caring, empathetic and loving person, so the career of nursing was a natural choice.”

Rhiannon W who has worked with Churches of Christ in several roles, including environmental services, personal care work, and administration over the past four years. Each of the roles have given Rhiannon valuable insight into the needs of residents, families, and staff, and grown her passion for pursuing nursing.

Rhiannon will become a registered nurse by studying a Bachelor of Nursing degree. She would like to make a meaningful contribution to the health and welfare sector, and believes that, “with an interest in working in aged care and community settings, I can support people to live with dignity, comfort, and respect.”

Jessica M who will use the scholarship to support her transition from Enrolled Nurse to Registered Nurse. While working at Churches of Christ, Jessica cared for patients facing complex medical and social challenges, and many who rely on support services beyond the hospital setting.

Jessica’s motivation to pursue a career in nursing comes from personal and professional experiences that have fostered her compassion. Having witnessed firsthand the positive impact holistic and personal care can have on not just an individual, but an entire family, she sees that this, “Sparked a desire to be a healthcare professional who can offer support and strength to others in their time of need”. Jessica shared, “My goal is to positively contribute to systems that promote dignity and respect.”

Caitlin R who attends Rivers Church of Christ in Kallangur. Caitlin is studying a double degree in Psychology and Business with a major in Entrepreneurship and working towards a career in the social and human services space, with a focus on youth work, trauma recovery, and mission-based community development. Caitlin envisions working in healing ministries, developing programs that support mental health and family wellbeing in the communities that need it.

Caitlin noted, “I would like to make the love of Jesus visible and accessible to the most vulnerable.”

Danna-Lee F who works at Bundaberg Children, Youth and Families. For the past seven years, Danna-Lee worked as a youth worker, providing support to young people during some of their most formative and challenging times. She has been with Churches of Christ for five years, working as a Youth Worker and acting Support Worker. Danna-Lee will use this scholarship to advance her education and would like to transition into a Support Practitioner position.

Danna-Lee noted, “Throughout my career, I have worked alongside professionals whose compassion and dedication have inspired me and I hopes to follow in their footsteps.”

Danna-Lee has been accepted to complete the Bachelor of Social Work at Central Queensland University commencing next year.

The judging panel for the 2025 scholarship included Professor Kenneth Wiltshire AO, Nigel King, Chair of the Churches of Christ Board, Carol Kesson RN, and Rev John Adermann.