Fairbridge

AN APPRENTICE carpenter has overcome personal challenges and health problems to win Fairbridge’s most sought-after award. Mandurah’s Charles Stephens was today awarded the William Newberry Scholarship by His Excellency, the Governor of WA and Fairbridge Patron, Dr Kenneth Michael.

Young apprentices and tradespeople such as Charles work on a huge variety of projects around Fairbridge Village including renovating heritage-listed cottages, which are used for holiday and group accommodation.

Charles first came to Fairbridge in 2007 and had such a positive impact that he was offered a place in the Certificate II General Construction program. Once finished, he was immediately signed up into Fairbridge’s apprenticeship program as an apprentice carpenter and is about to complete his first year.

Dr Michael said when Charles arrived at Fairbridge he did not know what he wanted but he made the most of all of the opportunities provided to him.  “During his time at Fairbridge, Charles has found his passion for working with wood and has now found what he wants to do for his whole life, carpentry,” Dr Michael said. “Throughout his journey Charles has never lost his humour, been willing to listen and learn from his own mistakes and the lives of others. He has overcome personal challenges and gone onto succeed and is great example to other young people on site.

Charles feels that Fairbridge helped him to feel at home and supported him through the rough times to enable him to find his passion, place in the world and to succeed.
“Charles is a great example of what Fairbridge is about, giving opportunities to young people who are struggling with life and giving them a new personal history of success.”
Fairbridge is the only charity in Australia that owns a whole nationally heritage-listed village dedicated to providing positive change in the lives of young people in need and the community through a holistic approach and ongoing support.