Kick-start your career with council’s academic bursary

Council has five academic bursaries up for grabs, worth $5000 each, plus paid work experience with a council team that aligns with your area of study.

The program was put on hold in 2020 with the outbreak of the pandemic but is being offered again for those wanting to kick-start their career.

Bachelor of Business and Bachelor of Accounting student Taitianna McGrath was a recipient of council’s bursary program in 2019 and said council’s work experience was invaluable.

“I learnt so many different things during my time at council and had exposure to so many different roles and duties in the finance department,” Ms McGrath said.

“Because I am studying both Business and Accounting, this experience has helped me to decide the area I would like to pursue as a career,” she said.

Applications for this year’s Academic Bursaries are currently open and close on Monday, August 23.

To be eligible for a council bursary, students must be from the Mackay region – preferably studying in the region – and in their second-last year of studies.

They must also be studying in a skills shortage area including:

• Engineering
• Professional, Scientific and Technical Services
• Financial Services
• Business Services (IS, Procurement, Projects)
• Workplace Health and Safety.

Mayor Greg Williamson said council hoped by offering these bursaries we would be able to retain these professionals in the Mackay region.

“Mackay is a great place to live and work and the academic bursary program gives students a taste of what it’s like to work in their chosen field and the opportunity to make great work connections,” Mayor Williamson said.

To apply, visit the Academic Bursary page.

For more details contact the Recruitment Team on jobs@mackay.qld.gov.au or 1300 MACKAY (622 529).