WHO ARE THE PALLOTTINES?

 A Catholic group of brothers and priests founded by St. Vincent Pallotti in Rome to spread the concept of a Church in which all people are actively involved so that the love of God may be made manifest.

 The Pallottine motto is:   'The love of Christ is our compelling motive.'

The Pallottines came to Australia in 1901 specifically to work with Aboriginal people. They have continued working in this field particularly in Western Australia: in the Kimberley, Midwest, Southwest and the Perth metropolitan area.

 In the 1990's when the Pallottines could no longer staff a hostel for Aboriginal secondary students at Rossmoyne, (a Perth suburb) and the need for such a facility was no longer pressing, the Pallottines sold some of the land on which this facility was built. Though the land was bought with their own resources, the Pallottines wished to continue their work with indigenous people in a collaborative manner. They wished to encourage positive interaction between indigenous and non-indigenous people. A substantial amount of the money obtained from the sale of the land was put towards a scholarship scheme.

 A legal document was drawn up to cover the operation of the scholarship project.

This document was drawn up in such a way that people who wished to contribute to the fund would receive tax concessions.

 The Regional Council of the Pallottines administers the fund. They decide where the money can be safely invested and yet maximise returns. The amount of money to be distributed for scholarships is contingent on the interest earned whilst preserving the real value of the capital investment. This money is allocated to the scholarship trust for the payment of tuition fees of Aboriginal people engaged in post secondary studies.

 $1,200,000 came from the sale of land at Rossmoyne, which was the former Pallottine Centre. Here Aboriginal people lived whilst studying at various secondary and post secondary educational establishments in Perth.

 The committee wrote letters to individuals and organisations that they thought had some interest in this operation. As result of this appeal a further $51,400 was added to the fund by way of donations by organisations and individuals. People who contribute to the scholarship trust receive tax concessions. Since its inception $688,100.00 has been earned in interest.

·        In the first year of operation $33,000 was allocated.

·        Currently about $130,000 is allocated each year (2008)

 Any Aboriginal person studying a post-second; course: at a university or TAFE college can apply for a scholarship.

 All students at Universities or TAFE colleges nowadays are charged tuition fees Students can elect either to defer payment until they enter the work force or pay their tuition fees up front. If they receive scholarship, their fees are paid directly to educational institute. This method of payment reduces the course cost by 20%.

 Each year students apply or reapply for a scholarship. In this way the committee can monitor progress and judge suitability for an extension of the scholarship.

 Applications close at the end of September each year. Allocations usually take place in January when TEE and University results are in hand.

 In choosing the three Aboriginal people the Council endeavours to balance gender and regional representation. The committee is appointed for a three year period.

 All committee members are voluntary. Only travel expenses are met.

 The information on the application form, the opinion of the two nominated referees and the inquiries of the committee members form the basis of their decision.

The Scholarship scheme is becoming better known. There is a marked increase in the number of applications. 

• in 2000 there were 17 applications
• in 2001 there were 24 applications
• in 2008 there were 53 applications

 In addition to a rapid increase of applications from Western Australia, applications have also been received from Aboriginal people in other states. Until now we have been able to fund all suitable applicants. As the scheme and its operation become better known more and more applications can be anticipated.

The trust will need to increase available capital if it is to respond to these expressed needs..

 People demand that if they give to a charity that their money be used in a constructive and efficient manner with minimal administrative costs.

 Since commencement, the committee has had seven meetings, established both guidelines for determining suitable applicants and a legal structure for the operation of this scheme.

Administrative costs for this period have been only $6,400. The financial operations of the Trust are contained in a separate paper included with this offering.

 The minimal administrative costs result from the generosity of the committee. This reflects a well-run and targeted work of charity.

 The committee is confident that if you wish to contribute in a meaningful way to a more equitable Australia then we ask you to give quiet consideration to the Pallottine Aboriginal Scholarship Trust. We feel it provides a means of achieving these goals.

 The potential of Aboriginal people may be more fully realised. They will have the potential to utilise education for the benefit of themselves, their own people and the Australian nation.