CS Energy has awarded its 2023 Indigenous Scholarship to two recipients this year, acknowledging the high quality of candidates that applied.
Now in its second year, the Scholarship is granted in partnership with the Oodgeroo Unit at Queensland University of Technology (QUT), with the aim of supporting indigenous students enrolled in a Bachelors' degree in Business, Science, Engineering, or Technology.
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.
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.
Image: CS Energy CEO Darren Busine (left) recently met Ross (right) and Christopher (centre).
Both Christopher and Ross are driven to give back to the Indigenous community and have been involved with the Oodgeroo Unit at QUT as student ambassadors, attending high schools and events promoting higher education.
As well as their academic potential and career aspirations, candidates were also assessed on their support of Indigenous people and communities, CS Energy’s Indigenous Engagement Advisor Neville Hoehne said.
“Many Indigenous students, including our scholarship recipients this year, have come from difficult beginnings or faced adversity, and it’s important for the next generation of Indigenous students to see that these circumstances can be overcome and that, through education, there is a pathway for them for a successful future,” Nev said.
“Ross and Christopher are both role models who have overcome adversity to succeed, and that’s really inspirational for young Indigenous kids to see.”
Nev said CS Energy is also exploring opportunities to support scholarship recipients throughout their studies.
“We’re working closely with QUT to strengthen pathways for students to enter our workforce on completing their degrees,” he said.