Heather MacGowan Undergraduate Scholarship

Heather lived a full and productive though tragically short life.  She died from Motor Neurone Disease on November 7, 2003.  Despite her early death Heather achieved more than most people who live well into their seventies or eighties and beyond.  She was a dedicated educator who had a strong sense of social justice.  This evolved as a result of her experiences growing up and was reflected throughout her working career. She was schooled in Melbourne, New Guinea and Townsville before undertaking teacher training at Wollongong Teachers College in 1970 where she graduated with a Diploma of Physical Education and Certificate of Health Education. 
She had a brief teaching career in NSW teaching at Griffith High School in 1974 and 1975 before moving to Darwin to work with the YMCA as a Recreation Officer for Aboriginal Recreation.  She then undertook doctoral studies majoring in biomechanics and adapted physical education at the University of Minnesota that she completed in 1983.  On her return to Australia Heather worked for the Department of Sport and Recreation in both the Northern Territory and Western Australia.  During her time in WA she lectured as a casual academic in Leisure Sciences at Edith Cowan University.   Heather had a strong commitment to volunteerism because she dedicated her life to the service of others. 
She was a sports consultant to a special school in Griffith during her brief teaching career in NSW.  While studying at the University of Minnesota, she was involved with Homeward Bound, the Courage Centre and camps for children with autism.  She had a long association with the Royal Life Saving Society Australia during which time she held several senior executive positions.  She was actively involved with St John Ambulance in both the Northern Territory and Western Australia.  While in the NT Heather was an active member of ACHPER where she held numerous executive positions including president. 
She was a member of the education committee for the National Heart Foundation (NT) and acted as a sports consultant for special schools in Darwin.  Her efforts in the service of others were recognised when in 2000 she was awarded an Order of Australia for services in the General Division for volunteer work in the Royal Life Saving Society and St John Ambulance
 

The scholarship award is $150 plus a one year membership to ACHPER.
As a recipient of the scholarship you are required to:

• Submit a copy of your thesis to ACHPER NSW upon its completion.
• Publish an article on your Honours research and findings in “Interaction’ – the journal of ACHPER NSW .

ACHPER NSW offers undergraduates the opportunity to apply for a Health MacGowan OAM Undergraduate Scholarship

2012 Application form