RSL QLD Wide Bay

RSL (Queensland Branch) and Bond University have proudly released the names of 180 talented Queensland teenagers as recipients for the RSL Youth Development Program. Developed by RSL (Queensland Branch) in conjunction with Bond University, the RSL Youth Development Program is now in its fourth year and offers year 10 and 11 students grants of up to $5000 each for their sporting, academic, and community excellence. The 2011 RSL Youth Development Program recipients boast a wide range of talent and includes future Olympic stars, community conscious students participating in mercy missions to Vanuatu, Tanzania and Nepal, and young academics seeking assistance to further their studies in sciences, the environment and biology. RSL (Queensland Branch) State President, Doug Formby AM, said the response to the program this year had been outstanding. "We received applications from across the state ranging from areas such as Cleveland to Clifton and even to Tara. We were absolutely impressed by the talent and ambition of each and every student," Mr Formby said. "As well as offering an outstanding educational opportunity, the RSL Youth Development Program aims to promote awareness of the sacrifices our veterans have made, and of the ANZAC values they strived to defend. "From what we have seen of our winning students and their applications, they are more passionate and historically focused than we realise." Bond University's Vice Chancellor, Professor Robert Stable, said the university is proud to partner with The RSL to recognise and reward young Queenslanders. "We are committed to the RSL Youth Development Program and believe strongly in the benefits the financial support provides to many exceptional young Queenslanders to assist them in achieving their goals," Professor Stable said. "We are dedicated to fostering this talent and we are excited to once again offer two exclusive 50 percent Bond University ANZAC Scholarships to grant recipients once they complete year 12 to support their pathway into tertiary education," he said. The winning students will attend a one day Leadership Forum at Bond University on the Gold Coast in March 2011. Students will participate in leadership and educational activities and meet a selection of Australian leaders who will pass on some of their knowledge to the RSL Youth Development Program winners. RSL (Queensland Branch) is extremely proud to be involved with this initiative and believe that a good education, and the opportunities it presents are invaluable to not only the students, but society on a whole.