Unlocking Big Dreams, Creating Bright Futures: The Dream Big Awards
Our Dream Big Awards (formerly the Pursuit Awards) were established in 2018 to offer tertiary scholarship recipients and alumni a unique opportunity to fast-track their learning through once-in-a-lifetime educational or professional experiences, valued at up to $6,000.
These awards empower recipients to seize life-changing opportunities aligned with their professional or educational goals, giving young people the chance to dream big and pursue their chosen path.
The 2025 Dream Big Awards are proudly sponsored by Melbourne Airport.
Kevin - Previous Award winner
“This is an experience I will cherish for a lifetime, growing up, opportunities like these were always out of dream’s reach.”
Kevin was the recipient of a 2023 Award, which supported his travel to San Francisco where he attended the Databricks Data & AI Summit.
“I am thankful and grateful to Western Chances for an opportunity to learn and connect with those at the forefront of technology and AI in the epicentre of innovation (Silicon Valley).
I had the chance to discuss and think deeply about the opportunities and risks of AI and how we can best leverage these tools to make a positive impact on society.”
2025 Dream Big Awardees
It’s Time to Dream Big!
Congratulations to our two extraordinary Dream Big Awardees!
Mursal Rezai, Tertiary scholarship recipient
Mursal will attend the Leading in the Law 2025 Summit and the Women in Leadership Summit 2025 in Sydney this February to advance her career aspirations in law and leadership.
Vu Long Tran, Scholarship alumni
Long will head to London Tech Week in England in June to accelerate his growth in technology and bring back global insights to drive innovation and meaningful impact in Australia.
Applications for the 2026 Dream Big Awards will be open in late 2025.
Additional information.
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To be eligible for the Western Chances Dream Big Awards:
Applicants must be a Western Chances alumni or current tertiary recipient
The opportunity must contribute to the advancement of your education and/or professional development and be aligned to your pathway
The opportunity must be undertaken between the upcoming calendar year
Applicants will be asked to consider the full costs associated with taking up the opportunity and whether they can fund any shortfall between the total cost and the Award
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The Dream Big Awards will cover a variety of opportunities, including conferences, workshops, summits, and courses, designed to support both personal and professional development.
The opportunity can be undertaken within Australia or overseas
Awards can cover items including airfares, accommodation, conference registration, transfers & insurance. Awards will not cover university fees
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Successful applicants will be required to provide the following documents prior to the Award payments being made:
Outline of how the total Award funds will be used
Proof of registration (if attending a Conference, workshop etc)
Travel insurance statement (if travelling overseas)
Receipts of any pre-paid expenses (as approved in the application)
Bank details
Upon receipt of the above items, the Award payment will be made in full to the recipient.
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Successful applicants will be required to provide an acquittal report within 1 month of the completion of their Award experience being undertaken.
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Dream Big recipients will be acknowledged at the annual Western Chances Scholarship Award Ceremony held in March 2025.
