Bright futures ahead for scholarship recipients

Sarah Brooks and Geraldine Kalabai were selected for their exceptional dedication to community service and leadership.
Sarah has dedicated nearly a decade to working in child protection for Churches of Christ. She started as a youth worker with foster children before finding herself deeply invested in the children, the work, and the chance to make a lasting difference. Sarah has found her ‘calling’ as she describes it and is now a team leader leading an intensive program that supports foster children with complex needs.
To help her in her role, Sarah is pursuing a Master of Psychology to gain the necessary skills and qualifications as a registered psychologist.
“I want to support foster carers in a way that significantly improves outcomes for children and reduces the number of children placed in residential care in our region,” she said.
“Additionally, obtaining this qualification would enable me to perform psychological assessments which are critical for children to access additional support like NDIS funding.”
Sarah already holds a Bachelor of Science (Psychology) (Honours) where her thesis focused on the relationship between wisdom and spirituality. Outside of work, Sarah volunteers each week at her church, including playing music on Sundays.
Geraldine is a passionate Home Care worker with Churches of Christ in Brisbane and has recently completed a Certificate III in Individual Support (Aged Care) and is now enrolled in a Diploma of Community Service.
Her decision to pursue a career in aged care comes from a deep realisation that she finds great satisfaction and purpose in working with and supporting the elderly.
“I have a background in journalism, but over time I discovered my true passion lies in the hands-on care and support of individuals, particularly those in vulnerable situations,” she said.
Geraldine describes her experience in her role as “incredibly rewarding” and something that has solidified her desire to further her career in this field.
“My ultimate goal is to excel in the community services industry, where I can contribute to positive change and support our ageing population with compassion and dedication.”
She is keen to deepen her knowledge and expand her skillset through the Diploma which will equip her with the advanced competencies needed to provide high-quality care, advocate for clients and eventually transition into a case manager role.
About the scholarship
For the past 14 years, the Beryl Wiltshire Scholarship has honoured the extraordinary legacy of Beryl Wiltshire, a woman known for her remarkable ability to recognise and nurture potential in others. Beryl quietly supported individuals in their educational journeys, offering financial assistance to help them develop their careers. Her legacy of empowering others to succeed continues to inspire and shape the future of many.
Today, thanks to the generosity of Professor Kenneth Wiltshire AO, Beryl’s son, the scholarship continues in her name. The scholarship aims to support individuals who demonstrate exceptional potential in their fields, just as Beryl did for so many years.
The judging panel for the 2024 scholarship included Professor Kenneth Wiltshire AO, Nigel King, Chair of the Churches of Christ Board, Carol Kesson RN, and Rev John Aderman.