Indigenous scholars rewarded

Three James Cook University students have received a helping hand from Arrow Energy during National Reconciliation Week.

The three students, two from Cairns and one from Townsville, were awarded scholarships worth between $5,000 and $10,000 at the launch of Arrow Energy’s Reconciliation Action Plan in Brisbane.

In all, Arrow awarded 25 scholarships to Indigenous students across six Queensland Universities, covering a mix of disciplines.

“We worked with the Universities to tailor the scholarships to the specific needs of their local communities,” Arrow CEO Andrew Faulkner said.

“These scholarships are a direct and targeted action towards overcoming Indigenous disadvantage in Queensland long-term.”

Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Multicultural Affairs, Glen Elmes, joined Mr Faulkner to present the awards.

Andrew Felkel, Townsville

Andrew Felkel of Ayr is in the second year of his Bachelor of Engineering at JCU in Townsville.

He is a volunteer with Ayr State Emergency Services (SES) and assisted his local community following Cyclone Yasi.

Andrew’s personal goal is to contribute his knowledge and expertise as a civil engineer to support disadvantaged communities, especially by developing better housing.

“Sometimes I dream of buying a street of rundown houses, doing them up and handing them back to the people to give them a new start,” he said.

Andrew said he was grateful for the help of his Faculty’s Indigenous Student Support Officer, Lyn Reed, for alerting him to the Arrow scholarships.

Tasmyn Menzies, Cairns

Tasmyn Menzies is studying for her Bachelor of Science (Ecology) at JCU in Cairns.

She is combining her university studies with working in the mammals department at Cairns Tropical Zoo.

“My twin sister Peyton is studying Information Technology at JCU,” Tasmyn said. “We’re the first in our family to attend university and our family is very proud and supportive.”

Margaret Blackman, Cairns

Margaret Blackman has already completed a Bachelor of Business Management and Entrepreneurship and is now studying for her Master of Business Administration.

Margaret is president of the Bama Nguma-Barra Indigenous Student Association at JCU in Cairns and is also part of the University’s ‘deadly’ Indigenous Mentors program.

She is committed to creating innovative economic development in regional and remote Indigenous communities.

Issued May 28, 2013

Media enquiries: E. linden.woodward@jcu.edu.au T. 07 4042 1007