This year Bellingen High and Bellingen primary were two of ten schools who were the recipients of special awards totaling $5000 from Bryant McKinnon Lawyers, as part of an ongoing commitment to inspire higher education outcomes for the region’s young people.

Leaving the decision to schools as to how each $500 donation was awarded, Bryant McKinnon Lawyers suggested the awards were given to ‘individuals or teams who display excellence in cooperation and innovation in the way they problem solve’. These are traits highly valued in the legal firm.

Bellingen High School held their award ceremony on Friday including the Bryant McKinnon Lawyer scholarships for students demonstrating excellence in leadership and teamwork.

Partner Benjamin Bryant returned to his old school to present the awards to five students including aspiring lawyer, Teegan Williamson-Leslie. 

Benjamin completed years 7 to 12 at Bellingen High and returned to the Coffs Coast to practice law after completing his degree.

Organisations like Bryant McKinnon Lawyers are recognising the responsibility for raising a well-educated generation of children doesn’t rest solely with schools.

Benjamin says when the wider community partner schools to support learning, great things can happen for young people.

“There’s nothing more important to a community than its young people,” he said.

“We are really investing in the next generation, recognising their talents and inspiring them to do great things, which benefits the growth of our whole community.”

Benjamin and partner, Heather McKinnon, also volunteer their legal expertise to coach school students in Mock Trial & Mediation Competitions run by the Law Society of NSW.