Western Chances was founded by Terry Bracks AM, who recognised that financial barriers often prevented young people from completing their education and fulfilling their potential. 

Our purpose is to partner with talented and motivated young people from Melbourne’s west, enabling them to thrive by providing scholarships, opportunity programs, and ongoing support.

Since 2004, Western Chances has:

• Invested almost $9.4 million in scholarships, awarding more than 10,595 new and renewal scholarships
• Assisted over 4,067 young people to overcome barriers to success.
• Facilitated free access to programs to build confidence, develop skills and grow leadership valued at $5.1 million

Why our work is important

Melbourne’s west, one of the fastest growing regions in Australia, is brimming with culturally diverse young people with aspirations for a brighter future. Yet so many young people face unimaginable challenges, including significant financial, social, and cultural barriers to their education.

The region records:

• High youth unemployment.
• Below average rates of literacy and numeracy.
• Low levels VCE completion.

The cost-of-living crisis has only widened this gap. In 2023, we worked with 35 schools and 19 tertiary institutions to award a record number of 995 scholarships. This demonstrates that the need for support has never been greater.

Thank you to ASCA and its members for your generous support of Western Chances, helping us uplift our young people through education.

Hear from our young people

Watch below to discover how your support can empower remarkable young people such as recipients Joseph, Katherine and Long.

To learn more about Western Chances, please visit https://www.westernchances.org.au/