ECU Staff Giving community inspire students to chase their dreams

The generosity of ECU's staff community was celebrated at a Staff Giving appreciation event held at Birra Bar at ECU Joondalup.

The ECU Staff Giving program enables University employees to make a pre-tax donation through their fortnightly salary to an ECU cause of their choosing, including the Inspiring Minds Equity Scholarship Fund.

Susan Schofield, Director, Development and Alumni Relations at ECU said the Staff Giving program is proof of the collective impact of colleagues who come together and commit to making a difference.

"Whether you're a regular staff giver though payroll, have made a one-off donation or you're interested in finding out more, we truly appreciate your support. We're also delighted to welcome some of our scholarship recipients here today," Ms Schofield said.

Susan Schofield and Professor Paulo de Souza draw a lucky door prize at the ECU Staff Giving celebration.

In 2025, a new record of 31 Inspiring Minds Equity Scholarships were awarded, supporting students facing financial difficulties or personal challenges with a $3,000 scholarship each.

"More than 70 per cent of these scholarships were made possible thanks to donations from ECU staff," Ms Schofield added.

From farm life to overcoming tragedy

Inspiring Minds Equity Scholarship recipient Caitlen Buys knows only too well the life hurdles that can stand in the way of following your dream of completing a degree. Speaking at the Staff Giving event, Caitlen shared that she grew up on a small organic dairy farm in country Victoria.

"I was often torn between finishing homework or heading down to the paddock to chop pesky thistles," Caitlen said.

"In Year 12, my hometown was rocked by tragedy. Within just a few months, a few of my close friends lost their lives in car accidents."

For Caitlen, her grief was a confronting reminder that life is short and unpredictable. Before committing to study, she embarked on a gap year to travel and experience more of Australia.

Inspiring Minds Equity Scholarship recipient Caitlen Buys.

Caitlen bought a 30-year-old Subaru Brumby and moved to Bendigo to intern at Holy Goat Cheese. Following her stint as a cheesemaker, Caitlen headed north to work as a tour guide at Nitmiluk National Park in the Northern Territory.

"I fell in love with the Territory, its rural communities, and the opportunity to learn from Jawoyn Elders," she said.

Her experiences meeting people from all walks of life revealed an innate desire to help those navigating challenging life circumstances such as grief, addiction, and trauma.

"In 2023, I packed up the Brumby one more time, crossed the Nullarbor, and enrolled at ECU."

A snapping start to study

"My first year wasn't easy. At netball trials, I managed to snap my ACL in my knee. Surgery followed, and during the operation, I had a rare heart rhythm problem that caused me to flatline for four seconds," Caitlen shared.

Luckily, Caitlen doesn't have any memory of the experience. However, after being discharged from hospital, she was handed a healthy-sized bill.

"So, between health scares, surgery, financial pressures, and a full-time study load, it wasn't easy," Caitlen said.

"After that first year, I came very close to giving up. I thought about reducing my study load or even leaving university altogether. I was rocked by self-doubt and uncertainty. The road ahead felt long, dark, and full of unknowns.

"That's when the Inspiring Minds Equity Scholarship changed everything. It lifted a huge weight off my shoulders. It gave me the space to focus on recovery, on study, and on pursuing my goals – instead of constantly worrying about bills.

"But more than that, the scholarship reminded me I wasn't alone. It showed me there are people in the ECU community who believe in students like me, our stories, and in our futures."

Paying it forward

Speaking to ECU staff and fellow scholarship recipients in attendance, the Psychology and Counselling student explained that her scholarship was a ray of hope in times of hardship.

"The scholarship came at exactly the right time. It gave me the strength to press on, knowing the ECU community had my back. I'm not sure I'd be standing here today without it," Caitlen said.

Caitlen Buys speaking to ECU staff and fellow scholarship recipients.

Now in her third year of her bachelor's degree, Caitlen aims to complete Honours next year, followed by a Master of Professional Psychology.

"Because of the ECU Staff Giving program, I've been able to keep moving forward. These scholarships aren't just about money. They're about opportunity – the opportunity to finish my degree, to pursue postgraduate training, and to one day give back to the communities I care about."

Growing impact of ECU Staff Giving

This year, a total of 134 ECU staff have helped raise much needed funds for student scholarships, through Staff Giving or annual appeal donations. This includes Professor Paulo de Souza's Herdy's Frontyard Ultra Marathon fundraising appeal, which raised over $16,000 for Inspiring Minds Equity Scholarships.

For as little as $5 per fortnight you can help support students to overcome barriers to study.

Choose a cause that's close to your heart and sign up to ECU Staff Giving today.