Mick Young Scholarship Trust

The Mick Young Scholarship Trust, or MYST, is a national fundraising initiative which gives financially disadvantaged students the chance to further their education at Universities, TAFE and colleges right across Australia.

Mick Young was a shearer, union official and Federal Cabinet Minister, driven by the core belief that education creates opportunity. He believed access to it should not be limited just to those who could instantly afford it.

He had an abiding belief: "Education is a right, not a privilege." He knew that it was vital "to break the cycle of unemployment and disadvantage that can restrict a person's potential."
"Break that cycle", Mick would say, "and an individual's place in the community will almost certainly be transformed."

What began as a compassionate idea to provide, from his own pocket, scholarships to assist people doing it tough in his electorate of Port Adelaide, now stands as testimony to the egalitarian beliefs of one man.

He was a man of his time, but also a man ahead of his time. The sentiments that forged Mick's scholarship idea more than two decades ago are still resonating today. The issue of Australia in desperate need of skilled and experienced workers remains a talking point that embraces the nation's politicians, academics, teachers, employers, parents, social policy makers and students themselves.

In fact, just about anyone who cares for Australia's future.

In Memory of Margaret Whitlam

All of us at the Mick Young Scholarship Trust are deeply saddened at the passing of Margaret Whitlam, a Trust Patron and a champion of educational opportunity.
Margaret was a passionate and articulate advocate for educational advancement. Her respect across so many sections of the community, her wise counsel, and richness of spirit made her an unforgettable and cherished figure.
Our thoughts at this sad time are with her family and friends, and in particular with her beloved husband Gough, and their children, Antony, Nicholas, Stephen and Catherine.