Two passionate and inspiring women pursuing careers in ecology and education have been awarded scholarships to support their studies at Federation University.
The scholarships are part of AusNet’s 10-year, $280,000 agreement with Federation University Australia to support the next generation of the state’s workforce.
Kate Dyer, who is studying a Bachelor of Secondary Education, is the first person in her family to attend university. She was awarded the AusNet Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student Scholarship.
“I’m passionate about ensuring that everyone has access to education, regardless of their socio-economic circumstances,” Kate said.
“When I’ve finished my studies, I want to mentor new teachers and work with students from disadvantaged backgrounds,” she said.
Christine Jackson was awarded the AusNet Women in STEM Scholarship. Having already completed a Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem Management, Christine wants to take her studies further and has enrolled in a Bachelor of Environmental and Conservation Science at Federation University’s Ballarat campus.
“I’ve always been interested in the natural environment. Back in school when other students were bringing in toys and dolls for show and tell, I was bringing in leaves and bugs,” Christine said.
“My goal is to become an ecologist. But it’s also important to me that I continue to learn and educate myself so I can make a difference to our environment,” said Christine.
Gerard Carew, AusNet General Manager Major Projects and lead for the Western Renewables Link project, presented the scholarships on Wednesday night. He said the scholarships are just one small way the organisation can invest in the future workforce.
“These scholarships are not just about degrees, they are about empowering people through education and investing in Victoria’s future. Both Christine and Kate are fine examples of young people who are working hard to make an impact in the world, through two very different, but equally important industries,” Mr Carew said.
“We are proud to help fund the education of students like Christine and Kate, who both already contribute to their local communities, volunteering their skills to help the environment and other people.”
Federation University Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Duncan Bentley said AusNet’s scholarships helped support students to further their studies, while allowing them to continue valuable community work like volunteering.
“We are incredibly proud of scholarship recipients like Kate and Christine who are dedicated to their chosen fields, and are already serving the community, using the skills they’ve learnt here on campus and their desire to help other people," Vice Chancellor Bentley said.
“We look forward to watching these students continue to grow and learn.”
This is the second year AusNet has supported scholarships at Federation University.