CQUniversity and BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) are encouraging students interested in 'non-mining' disciplines to apply for the 2013 BMA Community and Indigenous Scholarship Program.

Each of the scholarships will provide up to $5000 per year to cover educational expenses for the duration of the recipients' study programs. Details are available at www.cqu.edu.au/bma .

The BMA scholarships were designed to alleviate skills shortages and build capacity in key service areas throughout BMA's communities. They encourage increased enrolments from people with disabilities, those who are female, those of low socio-economic status, those who are rural or remotely located, or those who identify as being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent.

CQUniversity Vice-Chancellor Professor Scott Bowman (left) with Peter Dowling (BMA Principal Communities) and Mary Bulger (BMA Community Coordinator)

The current scholarship round was announced during an Emerald event organised to recognise support from key areas of the CQUniversity community, including current donors, alumni, the CQCircle Program, and the various high school principals and guidance officers in the region. Event attendees included CQUniversity Vice-Chancellor Professor Scott Bowman, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Community and Engagement) Professor Pierre Viljoen, and BMA General Manager (Gregory/Crinum Mine) Mick Nucifora.

Professor Scott Bowman with Mick Nucifora (GM, Gregory/Crinum Mine, BMA)

Professor Viljoen says the program will provide up to 10 Community Scholarships annually for 4.5 years, for students who reside in or have links to the communities of Moranbah, Dysart, Blackwater, Emerald/Capella, Sarina, Hay Point and Gladstone.

"It will also provide up to five BMA Indigenous Scholarships annually for 4.5 years, for Indigenous students who are members of Traditional Owner groups within the BMA footprint and/or reside in, have links to or can demonstrate a willingness to work in the targeted communities," he says.

"Through this program, BMA will support up to 75 Indigenous and non-Indigenous students with links to the Bowen Basin, by offering scholarships for study at CQUniversity over the next 4.5 years."

Professor Bronwyn Fredericks, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Engagement) and BMA Chair in Indigenous Engagement states, "BMA, through its partnership with CQUniversity, continues to demonstrate that it values education and is willing to provide scholarships that will assist students to complete their studies. For this, BMA should be congratulated".

Professor Fredericks encourages eligible Indigenous students to apply for both types of scholarships available under the BMA Community and Indigenous Scholarship Program.

Indigenous students have great opportunities thanks to BMA scholarships