Tasmania Police Charity Trust 2026 Scholarship Recipients

L-R: TasTAFE Executive Director, Governance and Corporate Affairs Colleen Sheehan, southern scholarship recipients Natasha Machin and River Campbell, and Chair of the Charity Trust Commissioner Donna Adams.

Three TasTAFE learners have been named as recipients of the Tasmania Police Charity Trust Scholarship for 2026. The Scholarship is an initiative that provides financial assistance to TasTAFE learners to help meet the costs of tertiary study.

Chair of the Tasmania Police Charity Trust, Commissioner Donna Adams and TasTAFE Executive Director Governance and Corporate Affairs Colleen Sheehan met with two of this year’s scholarship recipients – River Campbell and Natasha Machin - in Hobart. 16-year-old River is studying a Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management at TasTAFE and will use the scholarship to purchase a laptop and protective equipment for field work.

“Growing up in rural Tasmania, I learned that the land tells its own story. It tells of forests slowly healing, waterways finding their way, and ecosystems quietly holding the world together.

“I want to work in the field, restore habitats, protect native species, and contribute to Tasmania’s remarkable natural heritage,” River said.

Ms Sheehan congratulated River on his scholarship, adding “Your drive to learn how to restore the environment means future generations will be able to enjoy our flora and fauna thanks to your efforts. I wish you the best for the remainder of your studies.”

21-year-old Diploma of Nursing learner Natasha Machin is driven by a lifelong desire to help others.

“I love helping people and my experiences as a kid and growing up has pushed me to be someone that wants to just help others. I think in nursing you must have empathy and I feel like a lot of people lose that in the job over time, unfortunately. I’ve always wanted to be there for others and help them as much as I can when they can’t help themselves.”

Congratulating Natasha on her scholarship, Ms Sheehan said Tasmania needs more health professionals.

“With your genuine lifelong desire to help others, you will be a wonderful asset to our state’s health system. I look forward to seeing Natasha and River at our graduation ceremonies.”

In Launceston, TasTAFE Executive Director Quality and Academic Services Lyndene Bowen met with Scholarship recipient Annabelle Kirkham and members of the Tasmania Police Charity Trust.

"Congratulations on receiving this scholarship, Annabelle – and congratulations on the perseverance you have demonstrated in returning to study after experiencing very serious personal health issues,” Ms Bowen said.

“In a period of just 18 months, you have got back on your feet and are focused on completing your Certificate II in Cookery – It’s a truly remarkable personal journey that is an inspiration to us all.”

Annabelle was in a coma 18 months ago and returning to study at TasTAFE has been a challenge.

“I commute an hour and a half each way to the closest training centre to complete my training and learning,” said Annabelle.

“This scholarship will help meet the costs of accommodation needed to attend TasTAFE in Launceston and purchase new safety shoes and other clothing required to attend TAFE and complete my Certificate II in Cookery. I want to do my Certificate III in Cookery to become a chef,” Annabelle said.

Ms Bowen thanked the Trust for providing the scholarship initiative for learners studying at TasTAFE and acknowledged uniformed members and state service staff at Tasmania Police who have donated to the Charity Trust – enabling the scholarships to be fully-funded.

L-R: TasTAFE Executive Director Quality and Academic Services Lyndene Bowen, northern scholarship recipient Annabelle Kirkham, Charity Trust members Det. Sgt. Pete Roberts and Det. Constable Kelly Hindle.