Scholarships worth $8000 have been awarded to three KI residents by the Parndana Lodge of the Freemasons.
Past lodge master Craig Bissland presented cheques and certificates last week.
Margy Crocker, who works at the Kangaroo Island Medical Clinic and the Kangaroo Island Health Service, received $3000 to study the SA Certificate in Sexual Health in Adelaide and plans to bring her new skills back to the island to address women’s health issues through the Cook Centre.
Jasmin Hodder received $2000 towards studying a Diploma in Youth Work in the Mental Health Sector. After the two-year course, Ms Hodder plans to use her skills on the island and hopes to open a youth centre.
The third recipient is Dan Pattingale who received $3000 to help with the costs of his trip to Italy. He and wife Sue and their two children will spend four months in Italy working in olive farms to learn the latest skills.
Mr Bissland said Freemasonry on KI had a long history, dating back to September, 1836, when George Kingston arrived at Nepean Bay.
The annual scholarships were set up last year from the proceeds of the sale of the Parndana Lodge building.