Gardiner Foundation 2024 scholarships: Alysha Toohill

Kyabram’s Alysha Toohill is one of seven students advancing their studies thanks to a longstanding scholarship for those from the state’s dairy regions.

Trepidation naturally accompanies many when they board an aeroplane or bask in the dental chair spotlight - but not Alysha Toohill.

In fact, the 18-year-old first-year uni student is more than prepared to jump into the cockpit or wield a dental scalpel.

Alysha is one of seven recipients of a 2024 Gardiner Foundation scholarship, an initiative enabling school leavers from dairy regions to get a foothold into tertiary study.

Hailing from Kyabram, Alysha completed high school at Moama Anglican Grammar last year.

Alysha Toohill from Kyabram at La Trobe University. Picture: Zoe Phillips

Kicking off her first fortnight at La Trobe University Bendigo, Ms Toohill has a goal of becoming a dentist.

“Some people say they wouldn’t want to deal with teeth or blood and needles every day, but I’ve always been fascinated by dentistry,” Ms Toohill said.

“It’s such an important part of your overall health. I have braces myself, so I’m always interested when I go along to an appointment to learn more.”

If first year studies weren’t enough, the high-flying student is also working toward getting her private pilot’s license.

“I’ve been a member of the Australian Airforce Cadets for about five years now,” Ms Toohill said. “I’ve worked my way through the ranks to Warrant Officer of my squadron in the Goulburn Valley. I’ve got more than 40 hours of flight experience already but I’ll have to prioritise uni for the time being.”

Gardiner Foundation chief executive Allan Cameron said the dairy organisation had provided scholarships since 2008, having awarded 82 scholarships with a total value of over $1.9 million.

He said a recent review showed more than 70 per cent of past scholars have gone on to live in and contribute to the dairy industry and dairy communities.