General News
3 March, 2026
Sienna, Ava awarded community bank scholarships
SIENNA Ward and Ava Maxted have been announced recipients of the 2026 Inglewood and District Community Bank tertiary scholarships.
Board chairman Linda Younghusband said both had impressed with their applications outlining career and personal goals.
“The community bank has long been a supporter of our younger generations and we look forward to sharing in the university journey of Sienna and Ava.”
Sienna, of Inglewood, has commenced study for Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science at Deakin University in Geelong.
She had taken a gap year in 2025 after completing VCE at Bendigo Senior Secondary College.
She said: ““My long-term goal is to become a qualified physiotherapist and work in regional communities to support people’s movement, recovery, and overall well-being.
“I have currently enrolled Deakin University which provides a strong foundation in anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics, essential for postgraduate physiotherapy study.
“My passion for physiotherapy began after sustaining a netball injury that required rehabilitation.
“Experiencing the positive impact of skilled and compassionate care inspired me to help others achieve their physical health goals. Growing up in Inglewood, I’ve seen the challenges regional areas face in accessing quality healthcare.”
Ava, of Jarklin, was dux at East Loddon P12 College last year and will study a Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honors) at La Trobe Bendigo
“I investigated a range of tertiary options and I felt that La Trobe University was the right fit for me due to their links to regional community,” she said.
“Ideally, I aim to return to a rural/regional centre like the Loddon Valley/Bendigo to improve health support and services for country people.
“At the moment my big dream is to establish my own Physiotherapy practice to support regional people, however I am keen to experience Hospital practice and also sport-work related rehabilitation physiotherapy to discover the area I have greatest passion for. I’ll have the opportunity to explore this further when I undertake fourth year practical experience placements.”