Scholarship awards for STEM stars
Schools
South Australia’s next generation of STEM leaders was recognised last Friday as the Playford Trust awarded its 2026 university scholarships at Flinders University. Four students from Catholic colleges were among the high achievers.
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The event, a key fixture in the state’s academic calendar, celebrates outstanding students pursuing studies in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), with backing from the State Government and industry partners.
This year’s recipients included two students each from Mercedes College and Tenison Woods College, highlighting the strong contribution of these schools to South Australia’s future STEM workforce.
Among the recipients was Mason Bentley of Tenison Woods College who was awarded an Aquinas College/Playford Trust Residential Scholarship. He will undertake a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Mechanical) at Flinders University, building on a strong academic record and a longstanding interest in how things work.
Growing up in a rural community near Mount Gambier, Mason developed an early curiosity for engineering and problem-solving. During his senior school years, he combined analytical thinking with practical skills, achieving consistent academic success, including a Distinction and High Distinction in university-level mathematics subjects.
Despite being diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease during high school, Mason maintained his academic performance while also contributing significantly to school and community life.
He held multiple leadership roles, mentored younger students as part of a Learning Assistance Program and served as a mathematics tutor.
Outside the classroom, Mason captained his under-18 football team, where he played a key role in building team culture and supporting his peers. His commitment to service extended beyond school, with volunteering roles at St Vincent de Paul and participation in a year-long fundraising initiative that included an immersion trip to Timor Leste.
Charlie Damhuis (Tenison Woods College), recipient of the Commonwealth Hill Trust / Playford Trust Rural STEM Scholarship.
Charlie Damhuis, also from Tenison Woods College, was awarded a Commonwealth Hill Trust/Playford Trust Rural STEM Scholarship and will study a Bachelor of Agricultural Sciences at the University of Adelaide. Growing up on a family farm in the Lower South East, he has been closely connected to agriculture from an early age, shaping his ambition to become an agricultural scientist.
He has a keen interest in sustainable farming and emerging technologies such as gene editing to improve crop resilience and yield. An all-rounder in school, excelling both academically and in sport, Charlie also completed a Certificate III in Agriculture at TAFE SA, expanding his knowledge in areas such as maximising pasture, meeting animal nutrition requirements and improving farming systems.
Also recognised were Mercedes College students Harry Densley and Austin Rice, both recipients of scholarships supported by the Andy Thomas Space Foundation.
Harry Densley (Mercedes College) receives his scholarship from Darcey Watson, CEO of the Andy Thomas Space Foundation.
Harry, who will study a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Computational Physics at the University of Adelaide, was joint IB Diploma Dux at Mercedes College, earning merits in Physics, Chemistry and English Literature. His interests span areas including space technology, quantum computing and climate modelling, reflecting a strong inclination towards complex, real-world problem-solving.
Known among his mentors for his critical thinking and precision, he also brings strong communication and collaboration skills to his work. He served as Social Justice Leader last year, playing a key role in leading and advocating for the college’s Caritas Day fundraising initiative.
Austin Rice (Mercedes College) receives his scholarship from Darcey Watson, CEO of the Andy Thomas Space Foundation.
Austin Rice, who will study a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Mechanical) at the University of Adelaide, has demonstrated excellence across mathematics, physics and programming. His achievements include multiple academic awards and a silver medal in the South Australian Chemistry Titration Competition.
His Mathematical Methods investigation, modelling the probability of cosmic rays and the detection of muons at Earth’s surface, highlighted both scientific and creative thinking.
He has a strong interest in robotics and advanced technologies, and has also completed a Certificate III in Information Technology, specialising in programming. Outside the classroom, he has been actively involved in sport and volunteered at the Urrbrae Wetlands.
The awards highlight the role of the Playford Trust in supporting high-achieving students to pursue studies in critical STEM fields, with this year’s recipients already demonstrating strong potential to shape South Australia’s future.
