As students return to school, some families in Melbourne’s west are struggling to afford textbooks and essential school supplies.
A Greater Western Water (GWW) partnership with not-for-profit Western Chances aims to bridge the financial gap by providing scholarships that help young locals overcome barriers to education.
Western Chances supports young students in Melbourne’s west – many of whom have come from migrant backgrounds and can face barriers to accessing education and employment opportunities – through scholarships, internships and events.
The annual scholarships have gone towards vital resources students need to get through university such as textbooks, laptops, internet costs, lab coats and Myki travel cards for adult students.
For Point Cook’s Mursal Rezai, it has unlocked a world of chance when she was in Year 12 when her legal studies teacher nominated her for the scholarship.
“At the time, I had recently arrived in Australia, was still trying to find my feet and was planning for university,” she said.
Going on to study a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Business in Finance at Swinburne, Ms Rezai said it has been transformative.
“Western Chances has shaped my journey in ways I never imagined.
“ It goes far beyond financial relief, it is like a community and a consistent source of encouragement, guidance, and opportunity.“
It has enabled her to join several programs, intern at places like the Grattan Institute and resulted in her winning the Dream Big Award 2025, which funded travel to Sydney for two key summits.
Coming full circle, she is now a Western Chances sub-committee member helping other young people.
