Academic bursary recipients welcomed to council

The popular Academic Bursary program offers $5000 bursaries to assist students, with each recipient receiving biannual instalments of $1250 for their final two years of study.

There is also the opportunity for 12 weeks of paid work experience with council.

Mayor Greg Williamson said all the bursary students were worthy recipients, with each achieving highly at university and in general.

“The bursaries allow these outstanding students to gain valuable work experience in a council team that aligns with their area of study,” Cr Williamson said.

“Another benefit of this program is we hope it will entice students to remain in our region when they join the workforce after graduating, which is important in helping ease the current skills shortage,’’ he said.

The four recipients, Indus Fisher, Kai Sanim, Chanadda Klumkratok and Mackenzie Towers, were officially recognised at a morning tea today (Wednesday, July 26).

This is the 11th year of council’s Academic Bursary program.

2023 Mackay Regional Council Academic Bursary Recipients

Chanadda Klumkratok
Bachelor of Business, majoring in Management and Marketing at CQU Mackay. Chanadda moved to Mackay three years ago from Airlie Beach, where she attended Proserpine State High School. Chanadda has a background in childcare but has an interest in events, marketing and business which lead to her studies. Chanadda hopes to one day own her own small business.

Kai Sanim
Bachelor of Business, majoring in Human Resources at CQU Mackay. Kai went to Mackay North State High School before heading to CQU Mackay. He is interested in industrial relations, recruitment and training and development and hopes to work in the Mackay region, which he calls home. His other interests include BMX bikes, wakeboarding, health and fitness.

Indus Fisher
Bachelor of Marine Science majoring in Environmental Science at JCU Townsville. A Mackay local, Indus went to Mackay Christian College before heading to Townsville for his university studies. He is a conservationist and a greenie at heart and has been involved with several environmental management groups in Mackay, including Reef Catchments, NQBP, Mackay Conservation Group and SUSA. Indus hopes his studies will enable him to work in a role where he can help to manage local flora and fauna.

Mackenzie Towers
Bachelor of Nursing Science at James Cook University, Townsville. Mackenzie, a former St Patrick’s College student, originally studied Law, but changed to nursing after developing a passion for paediatrics and emergency medicine. Based in Mackay, but originally from Western Australia, Mackenzie’s career goal is to complete postgraduate study and work in Mackay providing the surrounding rural and remote areas with emergency care services with either the Royal flying Doctor Service or RACQ CQ Rescue.