Matthew Flinders Anglican College on the Sunshine Coast is calling the next wave of talented young sportspeople and musicians to apply for its 2026 Scholarship Program.
Applications are open now (from 1 July) for Music, Sports and Principal's Scholarships at Flinders commencing in Term 1, 2026. Students with outstanding talent and a commitment to academic achievement who are entering Years 7 to 12 in 2026 are encouraged to apply by 9am on Monday, 11 August 2025.
The Flinders Scholarship Program aims to empower students to explore their talents, develop their character and strive for excellence—in learning and in life.
The College also opens the Scholarships Program each year in January for the Academic Scholarship, General Excellence Scholarship, Matthew Flinders Foundation Scholarship
and The Principal’s Scholarship. The next round of these scholarships will open in January 2026 to commence at Flinders in January 2027.
Spotlight on Scholars
Our College Scholars work diligently to set goals and achieve in their chosen areas of interest, whether in sport at state, national and international levels or by securing exciting music excellence opportunities.
Callum Simpson OAM, Year 12 | Paralympic Swimmer
Callum is one of 25 swimmers across Australia to qualify for the 2025 World Paralympic Championships in Singapore from 21-27 September.
Training six days a week at the Flinders Aquatic Centre on school campus, Callum swims under the expert guidance of coach Chris Wright, an Olympian.
This year, Callum was honoured with an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for his achievements in the pool at the 2024 Paris Paralympics where he took home two gold medals and 1 silver medal.
As a member of the Flinders Elite Athlete Program (FEAP), Callum receives support to balance his academic and athletic commitments.
Kya Wills-Rawlings, Year 10 | Rugby 7s, AFL, Track and Field
Kya Wills-Rawlings in Year 10 is another Flinders Scholarship recipient and FEAP student, and a multi-sport sensation.
Within the past year, Kya has earned state selections in Rugby 7s, Track and Field, and AFL, performing strongly in the Brisbane Lions Academy.
A powerhouse in all the jerseys and representative kit she wears, Kya is setting the bar high and inspiring her peers with her commitment and athletic range.
Sienna Carter, Year 11 | Triathlon
Sienna is also making great leaps in her sport of triathlon, placing first in her age group at the 2025 Australian Sprint Championships, resulting in her qualifying for the 2025 World Triathlon Age Group Championships in Wollongong in October.
Her athleticism has been built on a foundation of years representing the College and sporting clubs in swimming, cross country, athletics—and even team sports like basketball and Rugby 7s.
Spotlight on Music Scholars
Flinders is renowned for its quality music program and commitment to developing students of all abilities to explore their passion and thrive in music. Our music scholars are growing their skills and building their performance confidence, with many students securing exciting mentoring and performance opportunities.
Hanina Ward, Year 10 | Violin
Hanina is a talented young violinist with exciting opportunities to further develop her skills. At Flinders, Hanina plays across four ensembles, including the Capriccio Orchestra, College Chorale, College String Orchestra and Symphony Orchestra.
In 2024, Hanina auditioned and was accepted into the Australian Honours Ensemble Program (AHEP) through the Queensland Conservatorium of Music, Griffith University.
She is currently preparing for the final level of Suzuki Violin (Level 12) and for the 2025 Eisteddfod in solo, duet, quartet and ensemble categories.
Earlier this year, Hanina auditioned for the ARCO ‘Australian Romantic and Classical Orchestra’ programs and was offered a place at both the State and National Young Mannheim Symphonists. This will enable her to attend the Brisbane program in June and a national one-week residential program in Adelaide in September.
Liam Booth, Year 10 | Brass instruments and Composing
Liam plays across seven music ensembles at Flinders and is studying Music as part of the curriculum, currently at the Year 11 level.
In 2025, he was nominated, auditioned and accepted into the Australian Honours Ensemble Program (AHEP) through the Queensland Conservatorium of Music, Griffith University.
Liam plays with the Queensland Conservatorium of Music - Jazz Orchestra (Pinnacle ensemble) and is a regular soloist for the ensemble this year and in 2024. He participated in the Queensland Symphony Orchestra Compose Program in 2024 and 2025, and won first place in the Queensland Young Composers competition in 2023 and 2024.
Jemma Ward, Year 10 | Choral, Piano
In January this year, Jemma auditioned for and was successful in gaining a place in the year-long program at the prestigious Queensland Academy of Excellence Music Theatre, Griffith University, Pre-tertiary course. This opportunity provides Jemma with training in all three disciplines of musical theatre which has enabled her to develop these skills, learn from industry professionals and have the opportunity to put new skills into practice with end-of-term performances.
Jemma says, "A highlight of mine has been improving my singing through joining the Flinders Chamber Voices, which is the advanced invitation ensemble. I have enjoyed performing at school choir events and competitions like the Queensland Youth Music Awards where we were awarded Gold.
"I have also been developing my pursuits in learning piano and songwriting in the College’s Instrumental Music program. It was exciting to perform in the Flinders Dramatic Arts musical of 'Chicago' as a Merry Murderess in June."
To learn more and apply for the Flinders Sports, Music or Principal’s Scholarships by Monday, 11 August, visit our Scholarship page.
