2025 Tasmania Police Charity Trust Scholarship recipient Belinda Coghill is motivated and moving ahead with her career

L–R: 2025 Tasmania Police Charity Trust Scholarship recipient Belinda Coghill; Charity Trust member Const. Kelly Hindle; TasTAFE Executive Director, Quality and Academic Services, Lyndene Bowen; and Charity Trust member Det. Sgt. Pete Roberts. Photo: Tasmania Police.

Applications are now open for the 2026 Tasmania Police Charity Trust Scholarship for eligible TasTAFE learners in the north, north-west and south of the state. This annual award helps young Tasmanians, like 2025 north-west recipient Belinda Coghill, achieve their educational goals.

Established in 2024, the Scholarship aims to support young people who are experiencing challenging personal circumstances or financial barriers in completing their TasTAFE studies, and are committed to improving their future.

Scholarship winners each receive $2,000 towards expenses associated with their TasTAFE studies – which, for Belinda, included a new laptop.

“I purchased a new device after my laptop stopped working, which was essential for completing assignments and staying on top of coursework,” Belinda said – also allocating some of the funds to study supplies and travel costs.

“It helped me get to classes without the added financial stress. The support made a real difference in allowing me to focus on my studies.”

Supported by her Scholarship, Belinda completed her Certificate III in Community Services at TasTAFE’s Devonport Campus at the end of 2025 – the culmination of long-held ambitions.

“I always knew I wanted to work within the youth sector,” Belinda said. “Community services felt like a natural path for me: I was drawn to supporting young people and making a positive difference in their lives from early-on, and that direction has remained consistent for me.”

But pursuing her TasTAFE studies presented Belinda with some practical challenges.

“Financially, it was difficult,” Belinda said. “I was working casually as a waitress, but those hours gradually slowed down. I then moved into part-time work as a teacher assistant across a couple of primary schools, which was more aligned with my career goals, but still required balancing work commitments with study deadlines.”

Belinda was under considerable pressure to make ends meet – but her Scholarship took the pressure off and had a positive impact on her TasTAFE studies.

“Financially, it allowed me to continue and focus on studying without the constant stress of how I was going to afford essential resources. It meant I could fully engage in my coursework and placements,” Belinda said.

“The Scholarship also gave me confidence and was incredibly validating. It reinforced that I was on the right path within the youth and community services sector and motivated me to push myself further academically and professionally.

“It also strengthened my commitment to pursuing further study and long-term career goals, reminding me that hard work and perseverance were being recognised.”

TasTAFE CEO Dr Norman Baker thanked the Tasmania Police Charity Trust for its support of TasTAFE learners and praised Belinda’s commitment to her studies.

“Attaining a VET qualification is transformative: it makes a lasting impact on individuals and their families, and strengthens Tasmania’s workforce, industries, economy and communities,” Dr Baker said.

And what’s next for Belinda?

“I’m currently studying a Certificate III in School Based Education Support at TasTAFE, while working full-time as a teacher assistant. Being in a school environment every day has really strengthened my practical skills and reinforced that I’m in the right field,” Belinda said.

“Looking ahead, I definitely plan to continue studying – particularly in areas connected to the youth sector. My long-term goal is to build on my qualifications so I can expand my impact and continue supporting young people in meaningful ways.”

Congratulations Belinda on making the most of your Scholarship opportunity, building your career with drive and positivity, and making a difference in the lives of young Tasmanians.

For information about how to apply for the 2026 Tasmania Police Charity Trust Scholarship, including eligibility, see: https://bit.ly/4l9TpBd