Scholarship helps Felicity to be more resourceful
Published on 29 May, 2007
CQU Mackay environmental science student Felicity Olver has gained a boost thanks to a $30,000 scholarship from the Queensland Resources Council.
Ms Olver was among 5 students to receive a QRC scholarship presented at the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy New Leaders Conference at the end of April.
Felicity Olver receives her scholarship from QRC's Michael Roche
The scholarships are designed to encourage more young people to consider careers in the sector, which is experiencing a skills shortage, particularly in science-related fields such as engineering, geology and environmental science.
A former Mackay North State High School student, Ms Olver is now in the first year of her studies with CQU.
"I'm enjoying my time at CQU in Mackay and my courses so far have been really interesting and informative, especially environmental science," she said.
"The scholarship will go towards uni fees, textbooks and helping me move next year to attend uni in Rocky, as only the first year of the environmental science degree is offered here in Mackay.
"I'm very grateful to the QRC for offering the scholarships and I look forward to being an ambassador for both the QRC and CQU in the future."
Ms Olver said she had always wanted to be involved in a valuable industry that was expanding and she believed that environmental science fitted that description.
"I have grown up in the Mackay area which is central to the Queensland coalfields where resources such as coal and water are important and play a major part in our local communities and industries," she said.
Ms Olver has been involved in a range of activities including participation in school sport, the Lions Youth of the Year public speaking award (which she won), and fundraising for charities.
QRC Chief Executive Michael Roche said Ms Olver would be a fine ambassador for the resources sector.
"The passion and excitement for the industry from our scholarship students is infectious and has already helped us encourage young people to consider the sector as a career option in careers expos throughout Queensland," Mr Roche said.