JCU students rewarded with bursaries

JCU students rewarded with bursaries

First published 7 May, 2013

Two James Cook University students will receive bursaries tomorrow from a foundation set up in honour of renowned former Townsville businessman and community identity Philip Leong.

The bursaries are being awarded as part of the Philip Leong Youth Programme, which is designed to give young people a chance to achieve their best.

The program, now in its eighth year, recognises young people who live in Townsville and who have demonstrated potential excellence, talent, skill or achievements.

It is designed to support those who exhibit the potential and desire to further their talents, but who without assistance may struggle to fulfil their potential.

To date $75,000 has been awarded to worthy local citizens.

Thomas Bainbridge, a third year Mechanical Engineering student, and Meagen Davis, a third year Exercise Physiology student, will receive the bursaries in a special presentation on campus tomorrow (May 8).

Philip Leong Advisory Board Chairman Angelo Coco said the program was set up in recognition of a man who led by example and was a model citizen in the region.

Mr Coco said Philip Leong emigrated to Australia from China in 1936, took up Australian citizenship and a North Queensland way of life with great enthusiasm.

“His many and varied business enterprises created employment for thousands of citizens,” Mr Coco said.

“Mr Leong maintained the highest standard of ethics and service and the bursary recognises this attribute and offers local youth the opportunity to follow his example.”

“Mr Leong was a generous supporter of community based organisations and his contribution to the community has ensured its growth and success. The programme will enable future community leaders to help shape their community and for them to shine in their chosen field.”

The Philip Leong Youth Programme is administered by Community Enterprise Foundation™, the philanthropic arm of Bendigo & Adelaide Bank.

In the last financial year, the Foundation distributed more than $9 million from 102 community partners. The program has the support of the Townsville City Council, businesses and local community leaders, which has enabled the program to be offered annually as a bursary.

Event details:

Philip Leong Bursary presentation

Date: Wednesday, May 8

Time: 10.15am (certificates will be presented at 10am and students available for photos/interviews afterward)

Location: Adjacent to the Uni Halls balcony, JCU Townsville campus. Building 112 on attached map

Background

Philip Leong arrived in Townsville in 1936 as a recent immigrant from China and took up Australian citizenship and a North Queensland way of life with great enthusiasm.

He was among the early Australian pioneers of self service supermarkets and made a major contribution to the commercial and economic development of the Townsville region for more than 60 years.

His many and varied business enterprises created employment for

thousands of citizens and maintained the highest standards of ethics and service.

He was known to be generous in his support of community-based organisations and led by example in a pleasant but humble manner, winning him respect as a model citizen.

Mr Leong helped to mould a multi cultural community in Townsville based on mutual respect for people of differing ethnic backgrounds.

He received an Order of Australia Medal for his financial support to various community groups including several school P&C organisations, sporting associations and other charities.

In 2000, Mr Leong was posthumously awarded the Townsville District, Citizen of the Century.

For further details on the bursaries, contact: Angelo Coco on (07) 4721 3888 or 0419 659 284

JCU Media contact: Caroline Kaurila (07) 4781 4586 or 0437 028 175