Rotary Melbourne raised $20,400 this year through volunteer work of Team Rotary bike riders and SAG Wagon driving at Around the Bay, drink station volunteers at Melbourne Marathon and the funds provided by members to sponsor the bike riders and from purchase of raffle tickets. We hope to create even better opportunities in October 2026. Read more about the gratitude of The Smith Family to the support and funding from Rotary Melbourne members for the Learning for Life program.
The following article has been provided by Tim Halliburton, Fundraising Manager- Events, The Smith Family following the Rotary Melbourne donation.
In Year 10, I took every opportunity that was presented to me. I saw the iTrack online mentoring program as a window into the world of academic study. The experience did not disappoint!” said Nathan. Throughout high school, Nathan was a star student. Yet he wasn’t sure where that could take him after graduation. Thanks to supporters like you, Nathan was able to take part in our 18-week iTrack program. Being connected to a mentor from a professional background opened a world of possibilities for his future.
“Due to coming from a low socio-economic background, I knew very little about university. Through iTrack, the mentor communicates their life experience and guides the student towards their aspirations,” said Nathan.
“In terms of my interests (academics and philanthropy), none of my family or teachers could advise me regarding my future. My mentor patiently answered my questions about life after school.
“It was fantastic to talk to someone I didn’t know, because she didn’t have a predetermined pathway in mind for me.”
Last year, 85% of student respondents agreed their iTrack mentor helped them understand more about how they could reach their career goals. Advice from his mentor helped Nathan get the most out of his senior years and form a clear plan for his career path.
“At the time, I had no idea what I wanted to do. My mentor was very skilled at talking me through my own thoughts. It was less a case of her telling me what to do, and more a case of helping me to realise what I wanted to do,” said Nathan.
“Through my mentor’s guidance, I got involved with philosophy. That was definitely the best experience of Years 11 and 12. It taught me to think more openly about a wide range of issues and even just general life.
“Currently I am in my first year of a Bachelor of Science. I intend to complete a Master of Pure Mathematics, followed by a Doctorate. Then I’m likely to move into a mathematician/researcher role.”
I attribute much of my success in school to the support of The Smith Family. And when I envisage my future, it is without struggle and adversity,” he said.
