Thanks to her BMA Community Scholarship, Rebecca Crichton hopes to return to Dysart to work as a fully-fledged teacher once she completes her Bachelor of Learning Management (Primary Education) on CQUniversity Mackay Campus...

Rebecca gave up her role as a teacher aide at Dysart State School to pursue her degree in Mackay but hopes the move will pay off after she graduates.

CQUniversity's Pro Vice-Chancellor (Community Engagement) and Mackay Head of Campus Professor Pierre Viljoen congratulates Rebecca Crichton on her BMA Community Scholarship

Now in the third term of her degree, she was recently recognised among scholarship holders during a student award ceremony in Mackay.

"I'm appreciative of being selected for this BMA scholarship because, otherwise, the costs associated with travel and the expenses while studying in Mackay as well as general university expenses and fees would have proved taxing," Rebecca said.

"The qualifications I will receive by studying at CQUniversity will help address skill shortages in non-mining services and, in particular, the shortage of local primary school teachers in the area.

"Receiving the BMA Community Scholarship will have a significant effect on my ability to excel in my studies which will influence my future employment after graduating.

"I am excited to become the best teacher I can be and to do well in my chosen occupation."

While based in Mackay, Rebecca has closer access to the Mackay Artistic Roller-skating Club, which she joined when she was living in Dysart.

LINK also to BMA scholarship holders recognised during student awards 

Current holders of BMA Community and Indigenous Scholarships were recognised during student awards held recently across the network of CQUniversity campuses.

The scholarships are provided by BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) to encourage students interested in 'non-mining' disciplines who demonstrate the need and desire to contribute to their local region.

The Program offers 10 Community Scholarships as well as five Indigenous Scholarships, for students enrolling in non-mining related study programs like nursing, teaching, healthcare or business.

Each of the scholarships provides up to $5000 per year to cover educational expenses for the duration of the recipients' study programs.

The BMA scholarships were designed to alleviate skills shortages and build capacity in key service areas throughout the communities in which BMA operates. 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.

Details are available at www.cqu.edu.au/bma or via 07 4930 9456.