Damien Dewildt Memorial Scholarship

About Damien Dewildt

Damien began his studies at what was then the University of Ballarat’s Mt Helen Campus in 2002 in the first intake of the Bachelor of Information Technology (Professional Practice). The learning he did, practical experience he had and networks Damien established from the time he commenced his degree led to a highly successful, if sadly short, career in cyber and digital forensics and eDiscovery that included roles in banks and regulatory bodies in Australia and the UK investigating complex multi-million dollar insider dealing and fraud.
 
He had chosen ‘UB’ as he always referred to it quite deliberately, having had early offers of places in Canberra and Melbourne. He thought moving to Ballarat was a better bet for someone from a small town (around 1,000 people) in the upper north east of Victoria than a larger city. Plus, there was this exciting new course, a very active hockey club, and some of his school mates were heading to Ballarat to study as well. Now, where to live? Having lived on campus when I first left home to study I was keen for Damien to do the same. So ’Res’ it was. And what a success he made of that opportunity. Damien formed friendships that lasted throughout his life. It was easier to be involved in the recreational and social aspects of the university experience living on campus, as well as having ready access to course related facilities and supports.
 
We lost Damien very unexpectedly in March 2021 at the age of 37. He’d crammed a lot into the 19 years since he had left home to study, much of it directly attributable to his study and life at Mt Helen. We feel that supporting other young people from regional Victoria to experience the benefits of campus life during their university education is a fitting way to honour Damien’s memory.