Sport and Recreation Minister Mia Davies with last year's scholarship winners; Celeste Knoester (left) and Dana Pimley (right), with Christina Matthews from the WA Cricket Association representing Janelle Cuthbertson. Image courtesy DSR.

Scholarship recognises the work of a Royal Life Saving stalwart

Applications are currently open for the Dr Heather MacGowan Scholarship, through the Department of Sport and Recreation.

Dr Heather McGowan OAM was a dedicated lifesaver, volunteer and contributor to the Australian and international communities for over 40 years. She is a life member of Royal Life Saving Society WA, and represented Australia at international lifesaving events. She also served as National President of The Royal Life Saving Society Australia from 1994-1997, and was a long serving staff member at the Department of Sport and Recreation, as Director of Regional Services for 10 years.

Dr McGowan retired from the Department of Sport and Recreation in June 2003 following the onset of Motor Neurone Disease, and sadly lost her battle with this illness in November of the same year.

The Dr Heather McGowan Scholarship acknowledges Heather’s commitment and contribution to the sport and recreation industry in WA, recognizing her passion, dedication, energy and enthusiasm, and her willingness to encourage and mentor colleagues to reach their potential.

The scholarship sees up to $10,000 awarded to a person/s currently working within the WA sport and recreation industry. Applicants propose and develop a sport and recreation project/initiative which will benefit the entire sport and recreation industry in our state.

More details are available on the Department of Sport and Recreation website here: