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This year, the presentation ceremony for the West Australian 2024 King and Amy O’Malley scholarships was held in conjunction with a belated celebration of World Home Economics Day. The event was held at the Swan Yacht Club in East Fremantle.

Teresa McAllister, Chair of the WA interview panel, travelled from Albany to award certificates to the two scholars who were present, Annabelle Hunter and Rachael McGregor.

In her presentation speech, Teresa described Annabelle as ‘passionate, engaging and empathetic with a confident approach that matches her high energy to promote our subject’. Teresa commended Annabelle saying that ‘Her desire to teach Home Economics in a variety of social-economic schools to gain an appreciation of student diversity, is admirable’. In presenting Rachael with her certificate, Teresa explained that the panel admired her ‘desire to tackle the future challenges of the profession by approaching her teaching with a sustainability focus, supporting and developing her students’ ideas’. Teresa noted that ‘Rachael’s devotion to becoming a teacher is thoughtful, considered, and creative and that she will be a strong advocate for Home Economics ’.

The panel was impressed by the high quality of the applicants and acknowledged that it was challenging to select the final recipients for scholarship consideration. All recipients demonstrated a deep understanding of Home Economics and its importance in today’s world. It is heartening to see the Home Economics profession will be in safe hands, with both young and mature professionals committed to making a difference.

New South Wales

HEIA(NSW) hosted a brunch event on Saturday 23 March to jointly acknowledge the King and Amy O'Malley Trust scholars for NSW for 2023/2024 and celebrate World Home Economics Day. Twenty six people were in attendance, including ten scholars, accompanied by an additional ten of their family and friends, and six HEIA members. The event was held at Burnt Orange Cafe in Mosman, where we enjoyed spectacular water views, delicious food and each other's company. Thank you to all who attended for making the event such a great success.

South Australia

Karkoo Nursery in Oakbank was alive with excitement on World Home Economics Day (WHED) 2024, hosting an event that brought together 40 home economists for a day of inspiration, learning, and community. The day featured a high tea and a bushfood tasting with Andrew Fielke, offering a glimpse into the richness of indigenous Australian cuisine. The event highlighted the importance of native plants in Australian culture, thanks to a captivating talk by Mike and Gayle Quarmby about their Outback Pride project. Guest speaker Carlie Sherwood emphasized the crucial role of home economics in education, reminding attendees of the significant impact they have on their students. Attendees celebrated the achievements of the King and Amy O'Malley Trust scholars, recognizing the future leaders of home economics. Engaging competitions added a fun element, celebrating the practical application of home economics principles. WHED 2024 at Karkoo Nursery underscored the enduring relevance of home economics, its impact on sustainability, and its capacity to nurture well-informed, compassionate communities.

Victoria

Victoria hosted an awards ceremony on 22 March 2024 welcoming this year’s Victorian King & Amy O’Malley Trust scholars with HEIA members, guests from Home Economics Victoria and the Australian Institute of Technical Chefs to William Angliss training restaurant in Melbourne to celebrate World Home Economics Day. Hannah Smith and Carmel Glasgow presented Meredith and Michelle with their scholarship certificate. To celebrate the 30th anniversary, the Institute’s Victorian former President’s Debra Parnell was the evening’s guest speaker. Debra spoke about her extensive and diverse career as a home economist working in the community sector. She described how her career experiences in public health and not-for profit organisations all linked back to the core values of Home Economics together with highlighting the principles and values of the King & Amy O’Malley Trust.