The Weary Dunlop Foundation recipients have been selected for 2018. This year three young men and women were chosen to receive funding to assist in their pursuit of education alongside rugby.
Your Weary Dunlop Foundation recipients in no particular order are Georgia Cormick, Navarre Haisila and Yvonne Savea.
The Weary Dunlop Foundation is inspired by the life of the late Sir Edward “Weary” Dunlop. Weary Dunlop was a decorated war hero, surgeon, Victoria’s first Wallaby and a selfless contributor and leader in the community.
The Weary Dunlop Foundation is based on the three pillars integral to Sir Weary Dunlop’s life: Education Rugby Union Community involvement and leadership The Weary Dunlop Foundation aims to support young men and women with funding in order to assist in the pursuit of education alongside rugby. It must be noted that applicants need only be involved in rugby at any level, including referees, coaches and players. Winners of the Weary Dunlop scholarship exhibit the values of Sir Edward “Weary” Dunlop and are future leaders in the rugby and business communities.
Our scholarship holders are exceptional young people who represent the Weary Dunlop Foundation in the community.
We sat down with the three recipients to discuss their aspirations inside and outside of rugby and what this scholarship means to them.
YVONNE SAVEA
Yvonne Savea is one of the most promising up-and-coming referees in Victoria. This was recognised by Rugby Australia when they invited Yvonne to referee at the AON Uni 7's competition. Yvonne is qualified to referee both rugby 7's and XV's and in the past year has refereed the Frankston International 7's as well as the Bendigo Goldfields 7's.
"My goal as a referee is to eventually reach the international level," Yvonne said.
"I want to referee at the highest level possible"
Along with her growing refereeing career, Yvonne has also excelled in her studies.
"I hope to become a teacher and help others grow and learn in life," Yvonne said. "The Weary Dunlop Foundation Scholarship will support me in reaching my goal to become a teacher, with the money going towards my university degree, which I am very grateful for".
Yvonne's leadership skills were also a factor in her receiving the scholarship, as she was a School House Captain and a part of the Senior Student Leadership Team at the Academy of Mary Immaculate. Yvonne said that a good leader listens, perseveres and is confident in their actions, attributes she believes Melbourne Rebel Fereti Sa'aga posses on and off the field.
"I look up to Fereti who has already achieved so much in his rugby career and aspire to be a leader like he is in rugby and within the community," Yvonne said. Congratulations Yvonne.
NAVARRE HAISILA
Navarre Haisila aspires to be a professional rugby player and has so far taken all available opportunities presented to him in hopes of achieving this dream. So far in Navarre's rugby journey, he has travelled to England to be a part of the Worcester Warriors Academy Program, after which he returned to Australia. Since returning to Australia, Navarre has captained Endeavour Hills U18 side to a premiership, as well as being a part of Victoria's U18 Schoolboys side.
"My goal is to play Super Rugby and in particular for the Melbourne Rebels," Navarre said.
"Playing the majority of my rugby in Melbourne, it would be a dream to represent my city at the highest level".
"I look up to Melbourne Rebel Sione Tuipulotu who has come from Victorian club rugby and made his way to the Melbourne Rebels. Players like Sione and Jordan Uelese have paved the way for the younger generation and shown what it takes to make it to the Rebels and Super Rugby".
Navarre also has strong aspirations for his studies after completing Year 12 this year. "After finishing year 12 I hope to study law at university, a goal which has been made more accessible by the funds provided by the Weary Dunlop Foundation Scholarship," Navarre said.
Congratulations Navarre.
GEORGIA CORMICK
Georgia Cormick is an exciting prospect in the growing game of Women's Rugby in Victoria. Winning a premiership with her club team in the Melbourne Unicorns in 2017, Georgia also represented the state in both the 7's and XV's sides last year. The rising star is currently a part of the Super W training squad.
"This year I want to build on my rugby journey, especially at the state level," Georgia said.
"The new Super W competition provides a great opportunity for women to play in a consistent high-level competition, which will not only provide invaluable experience at the next level but will also give the women's game a boost in exposure".
Georgia is also able to fit in her Osteopathy Master's Degree in between all her rugby commitments. "Having numerous commitments outside of University, in particular rugby, life can get pretty hectic and busy.
"It's incredibly helpful that the Weary Dunlop Foundation Scholarship provide support for those striving to reach their goals, professional or otherwise".
Congratulations Georgia.
