Hunter Valley coal producer Coal & Allied is teaming up with the University of Newcastle to help students from the Hunter develop skills and education in their chosen professions through $60,000 in scholarships.
Coal & Allied is funding scholarships of $5,000 each to 12 Upper Hunter students studying at the University of Newcastle, through its Community Development Fund.
The scholarships are available for students studying engineering, nursing, medicine, education, social work or science who can demonstrate they have been actively involved in their communities.
University of Newcastle (UON) Foundation CEO Louise O’Connell said the community would ultimately gain from the scholarships.
“Students who receive scholarships are motivated to try their best in their studies. I would like to thank Coal & Allied for making these scholarships possible and supporting education and the youth of the Hunter.”
Coal & Allied Principal Community Investment Stephen Sneddon said that 2011 marks the fifth year the company has funded the scholarships, which are part of Coal & Allied’s commitment to help develop sustainable communities in the Upper Hunter.
“Our partnership with the University of Newcastle is not only an investment in the future of these 12 students, but an investment in developing a diverse range of skills in the entire region.
“We offer these scholarships to students in the Upper Hunter to encourage them to pursue their careers locally and help ensure communities in the Hunter continue to grow and offer a wide variety of goods and services in the future.”
Scholarship winner Helen Spencer from Singleton has spent years in leadership roles for local sports clubs, musical groups and volunteer programs. She said the scholarship would allow her to continue in giving back to the community.
“Singleton is a community that has supported me growing up. I want give back to the region in my own way through education and helping others like I was helped.”
Scholarship recipient Amy Richards from Muswellbrook said her teaching degree will allow her to contribute to her local community.
“To me, it would be a privilege to know that you are teaching local children skills that they will remember and use through their life.”
The 12 winners are:
Emily McBeath (Muswellbrook - Speech Pathology)
Kate Thornton (Muswellbrook - Medicine)
Amy Richards (Muswellbrook - Teaching)
Caitlan Connolley (Muswellbrook - Occupational Therapy)
Madeline-Rose Quinlan (Muswellbrook - Communications)
Nicole Walters (Aberdeen - Occupational Therapy)
Liam Daley (Singleton - Radiography)
Elianne Coffey (Singleton - Engineering)
Helen Spencer (Singleton - Teaching)
Jessica Sipple (Singleton - Teaching)
Kai Neville (Singleton - Environmental Science)
Tyler Dykes (Branxton - Electrical Engineering)
Anyone wishing to donate to a student scholarship can contact the Foundation on (02) 4921 7453 or visit www.newcastle.edu.au/foundation for more information.
Media contact: Tanya Carlyle, University of Newcastle Foundation Communication and Marketing Coordinator - 0407 276 061.
Media Opportunity: Students will be presented with their scholarships at 5.30pm 2 June at the Coal & Allied office, 19 Bridge Street, Muswellbrook. Note: Photographs of the event can also be emailed after the event.
About the UON Foundation:
The UON Foundation is the platform for philanthropic support for the University of Newcastle. Donations help fund student scholarships, academic positions and research. The Foundation also aims to create and sustain relationships between the community, business, alumni and the University.
