Frederick Richard O’Connell (1894 – 1964) was Executive Director of the Timber Merchants’ Association (Vic) in the 1950s.
Frederick left a bequest to be dedicated to children of Timber & Hardware Australia members, or children of their employees.
The scholarship was established to promote industrial harmony in Australia and to improve relationships between employers and employees within the timber industry.
2025 Candidate winners will be announced shortly.
Congratulations 2024 candidate winners:
Jorja Brown – Dahlsens Building Centres
Luke Caddy – Lamcal Builders Supplies Pty Ltd
Sophie Caddy – Lamcal Builders Supplies Pty Ltd
Brianna Coutts – Davids Timber (right)
Adam Efron – Davids Timber
Kelsey Foot – Danahers Timber & Hardware Mitre 10
Owen Mathews – Mathews Timber
Rhys McDougal – Drouin West Timber & Truss
Deakin Miller – Dahlsens
Sam Taylor – Bendigo Truss Plant Pty Ltd
Harry Taylor – Bendigo Truss Plant Pty Ltd
Hannah Walls – Lamcal Builders Supplies Pty Ltd
Timber & Hardware Australia is thrilled to support these talented individuals and extends its best wishes for their ongoing success in both academic endeavours and professional pursuits.
Applications open annually in November.
Eligibility
Applicants must be enrolled in, or have commenced, a degree, certificate or diploma course, delivered by a Victorian university.
A non-Victorian resident studying at a Victorian university is eligible to apply.
Criteria
Applicants are assessed on criteria that includes good character, personality, academic qualifications, and proficiency at sport.
Preference is applied to children of employees or directors/proprietors of companies who are members of Timber & Hardware Australia.
Value
Scholarships are awarded up to $6,000.
Applications are now closed for the 2025 Frederick Richard O’Connell Scholarship.
Please click here for more information, including the guidelines and declaration forms.
Empowering Futures: A Conversation with Brianna Coutts, 2024 Frederick O’Connell Scholarship Recipient
In the realm of educational empowerment within the timber industry, the Frederick O’Connell Scholarship stands as a beacon of opportunity. This year, Brianna Coutts from Davids Timber in Dandenong, Victoria joins the esteemed cohort of recipients, benefiting from the scholarship’s support in pursuing her nursing degree. Here, Brianna shares her journey and insights into how the scholarship has influenced her academic path and future aspirations.
How has receiving this scholarship impacted your academic or professional goals?
“The Frederick O’Connell Scholarship has allowed me to reach my academic goals by enabling me to purchase all necessary equipment for my nursing degree without financial stress. I could buy books, uniforms, and supplies for university and placements, significantly reducing my financial worries.”
What opportunities has this scholarship opened up for you?
“I’ve achieved academic scores at university that I’m proud of! The scholarship has allowed me to work fewer hours, dedicating more time to studying and achieving my goals.”
How has the support from the scholarship influenced your journey?
“The support throughout my university journey has been incredibly encouraging and reassuring. It motivated me to push myself academically and professionally while alleviating financial stress.”
The Frederick Richard O’Connell Scholarship continues to serve as a cornerstone of opportunity within the timber industry. Frederick O’Connell’s legacy continues to nurture talent and advance educational and excellence in professional and personal pursuits. For those aspiring to make a difference in the industry, the scholarship stands as a testament to the potential for growth and achievement it offers.
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