Castle Hill RSL Club: Gallipoli Scholarship

Dean Chapman, a first-year Bachelor of Engineering student at the University of Wollongong, has received the 2024 Gallipoli Scholarship, sponsored by Castle Hill RSL Club.

The prestigious scholarship recognises Dean’s academic achievements and dedication to his community.

Dean has found a passion for mathematics, particularly enjoying how it applies to real-world engineering challenges. His favourite course so far has been MATH141 – Foundations of Engineering Mathematics, which he finds both challenging and rewarding.

After completing his studies, Dean hopes to work on infrastructure projects in rural and regional Australia. He has a strong desire to give back to these communities, saying, &”I’d love to contribute to improving the infrastructure that rural areas rely on.”

Originally from Fine Flower in Northern NSW, Dean comes from a family deeply connected to the land. His family runs a beef cattle property, where Dean and his siblings are the fourth generation to live and work. His great-grandfather, Charles Ernest Hinds, served in World War II as a field engineer in Papua New Guinea, a legacy Dean is proud to carry forward.

“I’m a proud Australian and very proud of my great-grandfather’s military service,” he said.

The Gallipoli Scholarship has provided Dean with essential financial assistance, helping him manage the costs of living on campus and purchasing essentials for his shared unit.

“It has allowed me to focus on my studies with some financial independence, and I’m incredibly grateful for that,” Dean said.

Beyond the financial support, the scholarship has introduced Dean to a wide network of people, including the Governor- General, His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC and his wife Linda Hurley, at the Gallipoli Scholars presentation ceremony in Canberra.

“Receiving this scholarship out of 160 applicants is deeply meaningful, not just for the financial help, but also for the recognition of my efforts. It has motivated me to continue striving for excellence in my studies,” said Dean.

He expressed his gratitude to Castle Hill RSL Club saying: “Their sponsorship has made a big difference in my first year of uni study, and I can’t thank them enough.”

Castle Hill RSL Club is proud to support Dean in his academic journey and looks forward to his future contributions to regional Australia.