Holman Barnes Group Changes Lives with University Scholarship Program

The life-changing opportunity not only covers full tuition fees, exam expenses and textbooks but also provides paid work opportunities related to the students’ fields of interest within the HBG’s three venues: Wests Ashfield, Croydon Sports and Markets Club.

To be eligible to apply, students must be nominated by their school principal or vice principal and be enrolled full-time in Year 12 at one of the local high schools: Ashfield Boys High, Burwood Girls High or St. Vincent’s College Ashfield. 

All nominations are screened by a Club committee in consultation with the nominating principals or vice principals to ensure that each candidate is suited to the opportunity and demonstrates the motivation necessary to undertake the work required for their chosen course. A short-listing process and panel-style interview follows.   

The inaugural recipients, Nicolas McCoy and William Deller — both graduates of Ashfield Boys High School — exemplify remarkable achievements in academics, leadership and community service.

Nicolas, an 18-year-old with a passion for mechanical engineering, expressed gratitude for the scholarship, emphasising the relief it brings from the financial burdens associated with a university education.

He plans to balance his work with HBG in the maintenance department, gaining relevant experience while pursuing his degree in Construction Project Management at UTS.

“To me, this scholarship is life-changing because it means that I don't have to worry about the limitations and stresses of debt after completing a university course,” Nicolas said.

“I say that because money is a big barrier for myself in the sense of education and the idea of owing so much money to an organisation is not in my best interest.”

William said not only has the scholarship given him the ability to support himself throughout university, but he will also graduate without a HECs debt and hopes to have a house deposit saved.

“It is an amazing head start for any young person,” he said.

William is set to study Construction Project Management at UTS and plans to utilise the scholarship to focus on his studies and continue contributing to his community through scouting and emergency services.

“For my university goals, I aim to thrive in the constant new challenges which will arise, and I look forward to facing them all as my course is something I am very passionate about. I want to learn what it takes to be an engineer — what an engineer does, how they do it and why they do the things they do.”

Simon Cook, CEO of the Holman Barnes Group, said the scholarship program aims to create a positive impact on the community by breaking down financial barriers for talented students and offering them mentorship and job opportunities.

“The program's long-term vision includes expanding its reach to more schools and enabling young women and minority groups to achieve their dreams.

“Dwayne Hopwood, the principal at Ashfield Boys High School, has played a pivotal role in shaping the future of these scholarship recipients.

“Both Nicolas and William have acknowledged his support and dedication to fostering a strong, inclusive, and supportive school culture.”

Simon said the Holman Barnes Group is committed to nurturing future leaders and making a positive difference in the community. 

“The success of Nicolas McCoy and William Deller serves as inspiration for aspiring students, encouraging them to pursue excellence in academics, leadership and community service.

“The candidate also agrees to stay connected to HBG once they complete the enrolled course as part of an Alumni Program which aims to showcase the growth and development of benefactors of the University Scholarship Program.”

The scholarship program is not funded through ClubGRANTS and is paid for in full by the Holman Barnes Group without any tax exemption.

Nicolas McCoy’s Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Honours) course at UTS is set to cost around $55,000 in total, while William Deller’s Bachelor of Construction Management course at UTS is set to cost approximately $45,000.