Batemans Bay Youth Foundation

What we do

We provide financial grants to local students leaving school and starting their tertiary studies.

If you are wanting to study at University, TAFE, a Tertiary Institution or take up an Apprenticeship or Traineeship in 2027 you need to consider a Batemans Bay Youth Foundation Grant? As you have recently completed school, you can apply for a grant of up to $3,500 that can be used to help with your first-year costs.

BBYF 2026 Newsletter

The Batemans Bay Youth Foundation hosted an inspirational presentation function at the Batemans Bay Soldiers Club in January 2026.

Ninety special guests, including family members congratulated fourteen students from four local high schools who received grants of up to $3,500 to assist them in making the transition to living away from home.

Students will used their BBYF grant to help fund the cost of establishing themselves at the tertiary institution of their choice. Most have paid accommodation fees, textbook (yes, they are still being used), relocation costs and equipment required for their studies. Students received most of their grant at the presentation function. The final payment will be made after the successful conclusion of their first semester.

The Foundation will allow grants for any recognised Australian tertiary institution, but most students commence their study at Australian National University, Universities of Canberra, Sydney, Macquarie and Monash in Melbourne. Students have also enrolled at TAFE in Wollongong and Nepean. Alex Booth will commence his apprenticeship at NECA in Moruya.

On receiving their grant each student gave a speech outlining their plans, their accommodation plans and how the grant would support their transition to tertiary study.

Each student story is unique in many aspects. Three students are commencing their tertiary life at University of Newcastle, while two students are moving to Melbourne. Over the last two years BBYF has supported two students commencing an Electrical Apprenticeship at the National Electrical and Communication Association (NECA) facility in Moruya. Two of our students received prestigious St Cecilia Music scholarships in December 2025.

Two Excellence Prizes valued at $1000 each were awarded to Emma Penberthey, studying for a Bachelor of Medical Science at the Australian National University, who achieved six High Distinctions and a Distinction during 2025. Holly Kinnane also received an Excellence Prize for her achievement of six High Distinctions and a Distinctions studying Architectural Technology at Torrens University in Sydney. Emma Penberthey gave a keynote address about her first-year experiences at university. Maxine Wilson entertained the gathering with a piano and vocal recital.

The BBYF was established in 1994 and is supported by a partnership between Batemans Bay Rotary, RSL and Soldiers Club. In recent years it has also been assited by ClubGrants. We have given Grants to 270 students, worth a total value of $865,000. Every cent is locally raised, privately donated, or as part of a bequest. The BBYF selection panel had the daunting task of determining the 12 grantees from a field of 26 applicants. This was completed through December with interviews held in January. For those receiving a grant, it is a vote of confidence by the Batemans Bay community.

The foundation wishes all our 2026 Year 12 students who are completing the HSC every success. BBYF suggest that you find out as much about your tertiary preference as early as possible. We have examples of students each year that have left their application too late to be considered or have missed out on grants specifically designed for students moving away from home.

Grants

University

BBYF grants assist students starting University with accommodation, travel, technology, books and equipment. To be eligible you need to enrol in a course of study at an Australian university or college on a full-time basis. Currently the grants are worth $3500.

TAFE and Tertiary College

BBYF grants can assist students with the cost of studying at TAFE or a Tertiary College with accommodation, travel, technology, cost of tools, uniforms and personal safety items. The amounts granted vary depending on individual circumstances. These grants are also available to students entering an apprenticeship or traineeship.

Other

The BBYF can assist you to complete training in your chosen career that might not include University, TAFE or a Tertiary College. The amounts granted vary depending on your circumstances and proposed study schedule.

Selection Process

Application open in September each year to schools. BBYF works with local schools to ensure that students are aware of the grants and that applications close on 30 November.

The online Application Form requires details of family finances, school results, aspirations, interests, course to be studied and preferred tertiary institution.

Any student whose normal place of residence is in the area that is bounded by North Durras (north), Nelligen (west) and the Moruya River (south) and who is completing his or her secondary education (whether year 12 or earlier) or is pursuing an apprenticeship or traineeship, is eligible to apply if it is their intention to undertake in the following year:

a course of study at an Australian university or college of higher learning on a full-time basis; or
a traineeship or apprenticeship involving attendance at TAFE or other college or where the student may be required to provide “tools of trade” and/or special clothing; or
any other form of personal development including, but not restricted to, music, art, sport, invention or research.

Applications are considered by a Selection Committee on the basis of:

financial need of applicant and family;
perceived future potential of the applicant; and
relevant performance at school.

The scores from each Committee member are averaged and a panel is appointed to conduct interviews. By this method awards for the year are determined, the number being in accordance with funds available.

Applications for study grants close on 30 November each year. Applications for apprenticeship/traineeship grants may be lodged throughout the year.

Students undertaking a GAP YEAR are eligible to apply for a grant in the year immediately prior to recommencing studies.

Meet our team

Assisting our youth to persue personal development in their chosen field

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Day care Options

Age-specific support for every stage

Day care

Schedule and tuition

01

Half Days

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02

Full Days

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03

Extended Day

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We welcome kids into our 2-4’s program based on their birth year.

Why us

The best early learning experience

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Kindness

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Creativity

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Emotional

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Innovation

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Daily activities

Designed to help children realize their potential

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