Four students studying at The University of Queensland have received scholarships of up to $10,000 per year through the Arrow Energy Indigenous Tertiary Scholarship.
Coal seam gas company Arrow Energy announced last week that 25 Indigenous students from across Queensland received scholarships, worth between $5000 and $10,000 a year to boost their studies.
UQ scholarship recipients include Bachelor of Engineering student Scott Gale, Bachelor of Engineering student Page Maracic, Bachelor of Health and Science student Maxwell Mitropoules and Bachelor of Nursing/Bachelor of Midwifery student Meg Richters.
The scholarships will allow students to access academic support resources such as stationery, textbooks, internet access and computers as well as travel, accommodation and living expenses.
The students were presented awards by State Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Multicultural Affairs Glen Elmes and Arrow Chief Executive Officer Andrew Faulkner at the launch of Arrow’s Reconciliation Action Plan at QUT Gardens Point on May 22.
UQ Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Education) Professor Cindy Shannon said the scholarships were an example of targeted action towards overcoming Indigenous disadvantage in Queensland long-term.
“The education the students will gain will last them a lifetime,” Professor Shannon said.
The scholarships are spread across six universities – Queensland University of Technology, James Cook, Griffith, Central Queensland, Southern Queensland and Queensland University (QUT, JCU, Griffith, CQU, USQ UQ) – and a mix of disciplines.
The scholarships are part of Arrow’s two-year $780,000 commitment to provide Indigenous scholarships and high school bursaries.
UQ recipients of the Arrow Energy Indigenous Tertiary Scholarship:
Scott Gale of Brighton, studying for a Bachelor of Engineering at UQ. Scott graduated from Nudgee College in 2011 where he was College Captain and received the dux of physical education award. Scott supports charities and community services including the disability program at the Royal Children’s Hospital, Geebung Special School and Breakfast programs for the homeless. He is a talented rugby player.
Page Maracic of Redbank, in the first year of his Bachelor of Engineering at UQ. A graduate of Rosewood State High School, he was a school house captain, rugby league captain and one of the school’s top academic students. Page is a strong leader and role model for youth. His ambition is to become a leader in the field of engineering, a profession he decided to pursue at an early age.
Maxwell Mitropoules of Bellbowrie is in the second year of his Bachelor of Health Science at UQ and has plans for further study in medicine. Max comes from Miles and understands the challenges of attracting medical practitioners to small, country towns. He plans to serve in rural communities, before embarking on training to become a qualified Cardio-Thoracic surgeon. Max helped establish the UQ Ipswich Campus Indigenous student association. His inspirations include Charles Perkins and his grandmother. Max is a descendant of the Kullili & Wakka Wakka peoples.
Meg Richters of Clontarf, in her first year of a Bachelor of Nursing / Bachelor of Midwifery studies at UQ. Meg’s goals include working in neonatal intensive care at one of the state’s major hospitals. Meg is a proud Wakka Wakka woman who intends to dedicate her career to helping decrease infant and maternal mortality rates in disadvantaged communities. Meg hopes to offer a voice and a caring shoulder for other Indigenous women.
Media: Belinda Berry: +61 7 3365 3439 or b.berry2@uq.edu.au
David Kiefer Phone: +61 7 3012 4698 or +61 400 693 248, media@arrowenergy.com.au
