Natalie Fretton aims to make a mark as winner of Ciara Glennon Memorial Law Scholarship

Albany-raised law student Natalie Fretton has received this year’s Ciara Glennon Memorial Law Scholarship at the University of Western Australia.

In her second year of studies, the 23-year-old, pictured, is passionate about making a difference in the fields of climate change and sustainable development.

The scholarship, established with the support of the Glennon family, is given to a full-time UWA law student who contributes to the community, demonstrates an active interest in an area outside law, shows concern for others and needs financial help to continue studying

It is the first time the scholarship has been awarded since Ciara Glennon’s killer was convicted of her murder.

“I am really honoured to be awarded this scholarship, and I look forward to representing the spirit of this award in both my personal and professional life,” Ms Fretton said.

“It will allow me to take a step back from paid work and focus more of my time on volunteering with organisations that support equity among disadvantaged communities.”

Ms Fretton, pictured, moved from Albany to Perth after high school, completing a Bachelor of Arts at UWA before starting a postgraduate Juris Doctor degree.

She has worked in two part-time hospitality jobs to support herself.

In 2019, she spent a month in India, volunteering with Pollinate Group to empower women and help them tackle poverty in urban slum communities.

She sits on the UWA’s McCusker Centre for Citizenship student advisory committee and volunteers at Subiaco Justice Centre.

“The values of the centre particularly resonate with me,” she said. “I think systemic change begins with fostering mindsets of empathy and compassion, which is at the heart of mission of the centre.”