In 2019 Pipe Bands Australia announced an annual scholarship to assist with the education and training of young pipers. This initiative was jointly established with the Victorian Highland Pipe Band Association at the bequest from the estate of the late Peter Cook.

This fund is jointly administered by PBA and the VHPBA with annual awards totaling up to $2000 being made over the next 10 years.

Peter Cook

Peter Cook tragically lost his life in a car accident days before the 2014 Australian Pipe Band Championships. He had been Secretary of Pipe Bands Australia, Victoria Branch for more than a decade at the time of his death and had been recognised with life membership of Pipe Bands Australia.

He had a lifelong passion for piping and pipe bands, but in particular, solo piping and was heavily involved with the former Pipers’ Club of Victoria as an executive member.

His passion for piping and bands was unwavering, and he dedicated much time to the function of every organisation promoting piping with which he was involved. Peter bequeathed a sum of money for the advancement of solo piping, and his family have elected to establish the Peter Cook Memorial Scholarship in his honour and perpetually acknowledge Peter’s love of bagpipes.

Pipe Bands Australia and Victorian Highland Pipe Band Association expresses its appreciation to the Cook family in establishing the Peter Cook Memorial Scholarship.

Eligibility

The scholarship for the advancement of solo piping is open to all registered and financial members of Pipe Bands Australia or an affiliated organisation.

The scholarship may be used for any approved accredited educational and training activity that will assist in the musical advancement of the applicant. It may also include solo piping competition entry fees for the following 12 months in the applicant’s home state and membership of Pipe Bands Australia or an affiliated organisation.

Recipients are reasonably expected to continue with their current band, if applicable, for the duration of the scholarship – changes in employment and study excepted.

Duration

The scholarship is for a tenure of 12 months only and may be awarded to a person only once.

Selection Process

The Selection Panel shall comprise the President of Pipe Bands Australia, the President of Victorian Highland Pipe Band Association and the Principal Piping – Australian Pipe Band College.

The Panel shall consider:

• The endeavours and commitment of the applicant as provided in the official application form
• Purposes for which the scholarship is to be applied and likely outcomes
• References

Acquittal

The successful applicant/s will be required to provide a written report on the activities undertaken with support of the Peter Cook Memorial Scholarship.

Applications Close February 28.