Kick-start your career with council’s academic bursary

Published: 27 Mar 2023

Calling all university students; now’s your chance to get a head-start on your career through council’s popular academic bursary program.

The program offers university students the chance to gain valuable work experience along with the added bonus of financial assistance.

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

Mayor Greg Williamson said council hoped the bursaries would help retain young professionals in the Mackay region.

“Mackay is a great place to live and work, and working at council offers a great work-life balance,” Mayor Williamson said.

“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,” he said.

2022 Academic Bursary recipient Andrew Vella, who is studying a Bachelor of Digital Media at Central Queensland University said his work at council had given him great perspective of how his studies translated to the real world.

“The bursary has allowed me to purchase plenty of equipment and also helps with other on-going university costs,” Mr Vella said.

“I am grateful to have received the bursary as the funds and work experience are going to go a long way in kickstarting my future career,” he said.

Applications for this year’s Academic Bursaries are currently open and close on Sunday, April 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.

For more details contact the Academic Bursary team at smld@mackay.qld.gov.au or phone 1300 MACKAY (622 529).