First Nations scholarships

The CS Energy First Nations Scholarships aim to support First Nations students enrolled in an Undergraduate Bachelor’s Degree in business, science, engineering or technology at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT). The scholarships are joint initiative between CS Energy and the Oodgeroo Unit at QUT. 

Scholarship recipients

QUT engineering student Jesicca Nizeti-Panebianco was the first recipient of the scholarship in 2022.

CS Energy Indigenous Engagement Advisor Nev Hoehne was involved in selecting the successful recipient and said Jesicca was a worthy recipient.

“We assessed applications based on their career aspirations, drive and ability to overcome adversity,” Nev said.

“We also looked at their ability to demonstrate how significantly the scholarship would benefit their personal circumstances and evidence of their community involvement, volunteering activities, and passion for supporting Indigenous peoples and communities."

Nev was on hand to present Jess with her scholarship, and asked her what it meant to her. She said: “I feel as if this scholarship will assist in relieving pressure during these busy periods so that I can perform to the best of my ability in my studies.”

In 2023 we awarded two scholarships based on the high quality of applicants.

Ross Towers (Bachelor of Engineering - Honours) and Christopher Lawson (Bachelor of Games & Interactive Environments) will each receive $5,000 in instalments over two semesters to support their studies and community involvement.

Image: CS Energy CEO Darren Busine (left) recently met Ross (right) and Christopher (centre).

Formerly an electrician, Ross is working on a thesis on renewable energy and said the scholarship would help buy him the time and resources to focus on his studies.

"This scholarship means I can dedicate myself to learning and my university workload," he said.

The sentiment was echoed by Christopher, who moved to Brisbane from a remote community to study at QUT.

"I moved to Brisbane where I knew nobody and have no financial support," he said. "Instead of working extra hours to pay the bills, I’ll now be able to attend local learning and development events as well as more time on campus learning and working towards my goals.”
Christopher is interested in exploring how he can bring his Indigenous culture, heritage, and knowledge into the digital world of gaming and immersive environments.

“It’s an area that Indigenous peoples are underrepresented in, and a large part of why I chose to study this degree,” he said. “I aspire to develop an experience that merges culture and technology, both for my people and those wishing to learn more about our culture,” he said.