Six regional University students awarded Inland Rail scholarships
Six undergraduate scholarships valued at up to $20,000 each have been awarded by the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) to La Trobe University and Charles Sturt University (CSU) students through the Inland Rail Skills Academy program.
August 17, 2021
In partnership with La Trobe University and CSU, undergraduate degree students living near ARTC’s Inland Rail project alignment were invited to apply for the Inland Rail Scholarships valued at $5,000 for every year of study during their degree.
ARTC Interim Chief Executive, Inland Rail, Rebecca Pickering said the scholarship enables students to undertake studies and ultimately pursue careers to enrich and diversify regional economies and contribute positively to their communities.
“Through the first round of the Inland Rail Scholarships, we provided support to four deserving La Trobe students studying Biomedical Science, Nursing, Midwifery and a Bachelor of Arts at the university’s regional campuses,” Ms Pickering said.
“Scholarships were also awarded to another two deserving CSU students studying Medical Radiation Science (Diagnostic Radiography) and Veterinary Biology / Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Education.
“We’re supporting students in regional areas because the cost of going to university and living away from home can be out of reach for some students who may be experiencing financial hardship or family pressures.
“These scholarships, and any employment opportunities they unlock, will act as a catalyst for positive change in many regional communities along the Inland Rail project alignment, and we are delighted to partner with La Trobe University and Charles Sturt University in support of their locals.”
La Trobe University recipient Tyler Barns, who is studying a Bachelor of Biomedical Science at the Albury-Wodonga campus, said he was honoured to receive an Inland Rail Scholarship.
“This scholarship has changed my life. It means that I can fulfill my goals of studying Biomedical Science to become a general practitioner,” he said.
“Studying at a regional University is a great privilege that gives me a large sense of belonging and feeling part of a local community. Being at a regional campus allows me to build a strong relationship with my lecturers and fellow regional students.
CSU recipient Hannah Davies, who is studying a Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science at CSU’s Wagga Wagga campus, said receiving the scholarship relieved the financial stress associated with University.
“I am able to focus more predominantly on my studies rather than financial burdens,” she said.
“This assistance also meant that I could work less hours per week, giving me time to study harder and care for unwell family members – it has made me feel more positive about everything.”
La Trobe University Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global and Regional) Professor Richard Speed thanked ARTC for supporting Tyler and other regional scholarship recipients.
“These generous scholarships ensure that students who might not otherwise be able to attend university can do so through critical financial support,” Mr Speed said.
“La Trobe’s regional graduates are highly skilled and career-ready. Through our valued partnership, ARTC is directly contributing to the University’s positive impact on regional and rural communities – and in Tyler’s case, to the future regional medical workforce.”
CEO of the Charles Sturt University Foundation Sarah Ansell said CSU can’t thank ARTC enough for their generous support.
“We are living in extremely uncertain times and never has student support been more vital,” Mrs Ansell said.
“The Inland Rail scholarships are a perfect example of the power that proactive, forward thinking organisations can have on regional growth and recovery and the role philanthropic investment can play in building social capital and strong, regional communities.
The program is a partnership between ARTC’s Inland Rail Skills Academy and three regional universities, which helps provide students with targeted support to build their interpersonal skills, job readiness, workplace experience and general health and wellbeing with the aim of all students successfully completing their degree.
For more information about scholarships through the Inland Rail Skills Academy, click HERE.
