SOS Awarded the Westpac Social Change Fellowship

Westpac Scholars Trust has awarded ten outstanding entrepreneurs a Social Change Fellowship in 2024.

The Westpac Social Change Fellowship is a unique program that invests in the individuals who are committed to improving the wellbeing of Australians. Unlike other programs, this Fellowship is completely tailored to the individual and is designed to give social innovators the time and space to invest in their skills, leadership capabilities and networks.

The communities of focus for this cohort are widespread, including people living with a disability, refugees and asylum seekers, young people, women at risk and sustainable futures.

Claire Lane, the founder of Save Our Supplies, a not-for-profit that collects and redirects usable medical supplies to developing regions, has been awarded a fellowship for 2024.

The Westpac Social Change Fellowship is a unique program where each recipient designs a bespoke development journey. They will identify experiences that directly invest in their skills, knowledge and networks to help them achieve their goals, and ultimately increase the impact of their social change initiatives. The funding can be put towards global study tours, mentoring, coaching, networking opportunities or development courses.

“This wonderful group of social entrepreneurs are doing remarkable things in their local communities, tackling some of Australia’s most complex social issues,” said Westpac Scholars Trust CEO, Amy Lyden.

“Often these entrepreneurs find themselves too immersed in the day-to-day aspects of their work, leaving little room for self-reflection on their personal growth or time to pursue development opportunities, so we’re thrilled to be able to give them that chance through this fellowship,” Lyden adds.

The Social Change Fellowship is one of five scholarship programs offered by Westpac Scholars Trust. The Trust awards 100 scholarships every year to university students, early-career researchers and social entrepreneurs to create a brighter future for Australia.

Find out more here.