ROTARY CLUB OF VICTOR HARBOR
DR FRED HEDDLE SCHOLARSHIP
DR. FRED HEDDLE, OAM
Dr.Fred Heddle OAM was born in Murray Bridge on 19th July 1911. He attended secondary schooling at Prince Alfred College and studied medicine at Adelaide University, graduating in 1935.
After graduating, Fred worked his passage to the U.K. as the ship's Medical Officer. He worked in the U.K. for approx. 12 months before returning to Murray Bridge and buying the local medical practice. He then served Murray Bridge and the surrounding area, for 50 years and delivered over 5,000 babies.
At Fred's going away party in Murray Bridge the Senior Practice Doctor, Dr.Altmann said "We will never again see the likes of Fred Heddle's style of medicine. He is the last of a dying breed of country doctors who did all things, for all people, at all times" Fred retired to Victor Harbor where he joined the Rotary Club of Victor Harbor.
Including his membership of Murray Bridge, Fred was a Rotarian for over 60 years. He is a Past President and was awarded the Paul Harris Fellow and a Sapphire Pin for exceptional service. At 104 years of age in 2015, Fred remained an Honorary Member of the club until he passed away earlier this year.
Fred was awarded the Order of Australia Medal in 1981, the Commander of the Order of St John in 1982 and the Australia Day Citizen of the Year for the District Council of Murray Bridge in 1988.
INTRODUCTION:
The Rotary Club of Victor Harbor created a scholarship to honour Dr. Fred Heddle, OAM, in recognition of his exceptional service to Rotary and the community. This scholarship is not offered on academic merit alone. It is awarded to students who show the desire and aptitude to succeed in a given field of study, but, due to circumstance, are seeking assistance.
It is proposed to award individual scholarships on a yearly basis commencing in 2013 for an amount of a minimum of $3,000 to a maximum of $10,000 as recommended by the Selection Committee and approved by the Board of Directors of the Rotary Club of Victor Harbor. The scholarship can be paid for a minimum of one year to a maximum of three years.
THE AIM OF THE SCHOLARSHIP:
The aim of the Rotary Club of Victor Harbor Dr. Fred Heddle Scholarship is to provide a financial benefit to support a student of Victor Harbor and the surrounding district to pursue a career of their choice which involves tertiary study requirements.
Tertiary Students:
The aim of this scholarship is to assist students whose goal is to continue their education at a tertiary institution.
Secondary Students:
This scholarship aims to offer financial assistance to students in years 10 — 12 who may be under pressure to leave school without completing year 12, but who have the desire and commitment to graduate to tertiary- education.
ELIGIBILITY:
To qualify for the Rotary Club of Victor Harbor Dr. Fred Heddle Scholarship the applicant will be:
•Aged between 15 — 19 years.
•A resident of the council areas of the City of Victor Harbor, the Alexandrina Council or the District Council of Yankalilla.
•Able to demonstrate their desire and commitment to continue to achieve their educational goals. Accepted to enroll in their desired field of study whether Tertiary or Secondary.
Continued Scholarship funding will depend on the recipient progressing and passing each year.
THIS SCHOLARSHIP MAY PAY FOR:
•Enrolment fees for your chosen course at an approved educational institution.
•All Course costs including technical equipment, books, stationery, uniforms and associated expenses.
•Travel, boarding costs or daily commuting costs to attend lectures. Daily living costs not covered by other means.
Applications:
The Rotary Club of Victor Harbor Inc. will advertise in October each year inviting applicants to complete an Application Form.
The Application Form will be returned to the President of the Rotary Club of Victor Harbor with at least two signed letters of recommendation from referees who have a personal knowledge of the character, abilities and ambitions of the applicant. Applicants will need to provide proof of the last two years of academic results.
Applications may be emailed to All applicants will be contacted and may be interviewed as part of the selection process.
SELECTION PROCESS:
The Rotary Club of Victor Harbor Inc. will appoint a committee chaired by the Director for that year of the New Generations Committee. This committee will interview and assess the applications and make recommendations to the Board of Directors of the Rotary Club of Victor Harbor. The Board will determine the successful applicants.
Applicants are welcome to discuss their application with the President of the Rotary Club of Victor Harbor, or the Chairman of the New Generations Committee.
The scholarship could be awarded subject to receiving confirmation of a placement at the desired educational institution.
SCHOLARSHIP FUNDING AND TAX:
Applicants are encouraged to seek advice from Centrelink, the Australian Taxation Office, or a Financial Adviser concerning scholarship funding pertaining to their own financial situation.
Before scholarship funding can commence proof must be provided of enrolment at the educational institution.
THE ROTARY CLUB OF VICTOR HARBOR REPORT:
Recipients of the Dr. Fred Heddle Scholarship will be required to provide written semiannual reports on academic results and progress.
Arrangements will also be made for the winner of a scholarship to address a meeting of the Rotary Club of Victor Harbor members about their course and ambitions.
REVIEW:
The Board of Directors of the Rotary Club of Victor Harbor can vary the rules from time to time as circumstances change.
After 5 years from the date that the scholarship is first awarded, the Board of Directors of the Rotary Club of Victor Harbor shall review the success and appropriateness of the scholarship and recommend its continuation or adjustment to take account of any changed circumstances.
The Rotary Club of Victor Harbor can be contacted by:
Email to:
Or mail to P. 0. Box 213, Victor Harbor SA 5211