The John Cummins Memorial Fund was established to honour the memory and legacy of John Cummins who died in 2006. John was a social and political activist and throughout his life John was devoted to supporting young people, in particular those experiencing disadvantage. In 2008, the Fund established an annual scholarship program for secondary students enrolled in a government school and were experiencing financial hardship. Earlier this year, 25 scholarships were awarded to students from 8 schools across Melbourne’s northern suburbs, including Thornbury High School, Coburg Senior High School and Northland Secondary College. Scholarships of up to $1000 were awarded to students for items such the purchase of equipment, school books and school uniforms, Met cards and excursions.

As this feedback from the Principal of Northland Secondary College suggests, the scholarships enable real change for students: “Jake” (not his real name) was going to pull out of school because his mother did not have the money to pay for equipment he needed to do the pre-apprenticeship program. He and his mother are so excited about the fact that he has received this scholarship and that there are no financial worries in terms of his education.”