Batemans Bay Youth Foundation
Our 2025 Students
Holly Kinnane
Bachelor of Architectural Technology
Torrens University
Holly is passionate about pursuing a career in the design of sustainable buildings. She has chosen to study Architectural Technology. Holly’s course includes an internship, which will give experience in the real world of work while she studies both on campus and online. She will commute from Shellharbour to her Sydney campus two days each week.
Ryan Rotherham
Electrotechnology Apprentice
NECA
Ryan will continue his training in Electro technology following a successful school-based apprentice. He has already completed his first year through the National Electrical and Communication Association Ryan currently works for South Coast Electrical Services at Tuross Heads. He is a confident, highly motivated young man who will probably run his own successful business in a few years’ time.
Rhiarna Hardman
Bachelor of Nursing
University of Canberra
Rhiarna will be studying Nursing. In the future, she hopes to specialise in Midwifery. She has demonstrated her leadership skills by being elected Vice Captain at her school. Rhiarna has worked part time since she was 14, and worked in the restaurant at the Batemans Bay Soldiers Club. Rhiarna has proved herself to be a diligent student who is also keen on soccer, has lots of pets and collecting crystals is her passion.
Skye Carter
Bachelor of Secondary Education(PDHPE)
University of Wollongong
Skye’s goal is to become a PE teacher. During her HSC year, Skye juggled her time between 3 jobs, her soccer commitments and her school work. She was also a valuable member of the renowned Bay High circus troupe. On the sporting field, Skye achieved the distinction of being runner-up in the Eurobodalla Footballer of the Year.
Marley Davis-Ward
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and Science
University of Sydney
Marley has a particular interest in prosthetics and assistive technology. She has chosen to specialise in Biometrics. While she is studying she plans on tutoring primary aged students to supplement her income. At school, Marley studied three science subjects and had the privilege of being selected to attend the National Youth Science Forum last year. Marley was a a Eurobodalla Youth Councillor.
Luke Verdoux
Bachelor of Pre-Medicine
University of Wollongong
Luke is off to Wollongong to commence his tertiary study.He has a love of both outdoor and creative activities. A keen fisher with his best catch being a monster bream from his canoe. Luke also enjoys cooking, experimenting with different recipes and creating unique dishes. At school, he held the leadership roles of Prefect and House Captain. He has been working at Kmart, putting in many hours to save funds for his tertiary studies.
Tahlia Stjepanovic
Bachelor of Law
University of Canberra
Tahlia is a determined, conscientious young person who has an interest in the justice system. Tahlia has already had the benefit of a traineeship at the local courthouse and she is looking forward to the work experience component that her law degree will offer. As well as her studies and traineeship, Tahlia has held several key school leadership roles.
Chantelle Westbrook
Certificate IV Interior Décor
Nepean TAFE
Doing renovations at home with her dad has inspired Chantelle’s interest in décor, layout and planning. As well as her HSC, Chantelle has already completed a TAFE Cert III and this year will study a Cert IV of Interior Décor. Chantelle will be transferring from the local Woolworths store to one closer to where she will be living in Sydney to help support the completion of her TAFE course.
Riley Battiato
Bachelor of Secondary Education (History)
Macquarie University
Riley has a passion for History and this year will start his tertiary education at Macquarie University. Riley has demonstrated his commitment to learning by successfully studying German via distance education. He is also a keen chess player, having competed in 3 state championships and mentored other students in developing their chess playing skills. As an Army Cadet, Riley has participated in ANZAC Day ceremonies. Riley will incorporate a part time job to support himself during his studies.
Hayley London
Certificate III in Ageing Support
Canberra TAFE.
Hayley likes being active and helping people. She has a dog of her own, and one of her financial plans is to develop a dog walking business. At school, Hayley has attained many merit awards across a range of subjects and activities. Her post school aim is to work in aged care.
Mylie West
Certificate IV Screen and Media
Wollongong TAFE
Photography is Mylie’s desired area of study. So, she has decided to pursue a production career in the film industry. Mylie is also very passionate about music and practises her clarinet and bass guitar every day. In between music and her studies, Mylie held part-time job locally.
Emma Penberthy
Bachelor of Medical Science
ANU
Emma has accepted a placement at ANU to study Medical Science. She is especially interested in research which investigates and develops innovative treatments using proteins. Emma is a confident in public speaking and plays the piano. She also held 2 part-time jobs while at school.
Shelby Henderson
Bachelor of Medical Science
ANU
Shelby is the RSL Sub-Branch awardee. Both her grandfather and great-grandfather served overseas in WW2 and WW1. At school, she has held several leadership roles and in her spare time she worked at a local pharmacy. Shelby has been a dancer for 15 years and began competitive cheerleading in 2022. Shelby has joined the ‘Siren cheerleading team’ in Canberra as a flyer or top girl!
The Batemans Bay Youth Foundation recognises these young people who are taking their next step in their lives. The BBYF Grant they have received is a vote of confidence from the Batemans Bay community. We know they will, work hard, enjoy their tertiary life, and make us proud of you. We wish them all a successful future.
Grace Johnson
Bachelor of Business
University of Wollongong
Grace received early entry into university. She is hoping to complete her degree with a marketing as a specialisation. The study of marketing aligns with both her academic and creative passions. She hopes to work for a company that allows opportunity for promotion through hard work. she will commence her degree through the Batemans Bay campus of UOW. She then intends to continue her studies at the Wollongong campus in 2026.
