Indigenous scholars from six Queensland universities will attend a high-performance academic camp in Brisbane this week.
The students, including beneficiaries of Arrow Energy’s Indigenous Tertiary Scholarship program, will attend training, tutoring and talks aimed at giving them an edge when they complete their university courses.
They will be advised by a range of experts, from the Royal Australian Air Force to Cambridge University.
“The camp is being run to give a competitive edge to Arrow’s scholars and other high-performing Indigenous students, to assist when they emerge from study to the open labour market,” Arrow Community Relations Manager Glenda Viner said.
“We’ve joined forces with QUT’s Oodgeroo Unit, a leader in these types of activities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education.
“The program provides training and mentoring to accelerate students’ personal and professional development, and will be delivered by both Indigenous and non-Indigenous groups.”
One of the facilitators is Kerrie Tim, Special Advisor Indigenous Affairs, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, who will guide a discussion about leadership.
The students will also benefit from the expertise of prominent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander educators and leaders including theatre director David Bell and educators Mark Rose and Gary Thomas.
A keynote address will be delivered by Aboriginal magistrate Zac Sarra, and there will be a networking event with inspiring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
On the evening of 8 August, 2014 there will be a panel discussion between the students and four panelists:
- Melissa Saunders – Senior Advisor Indigenous Policy & Engagement at the Victorian Equal Opportunity & Human Rights Commission
- Josh Creamer – Barrister at Law
- Selwyn Button – Assistant Director-General (Indigenous Education), Department of Education, Training and Employment
- Anthony Newcastle – Owner Manager of Natjul Indigenous Performing Arts.
“When we awarded Indigenous scholarships in six universities in 2012, we also committed ourselves to providing extra support to the recipients,” Ms Viner said.
“We involve them in Arrow’s events and, through our Indigenous Relations team, connect them to the company’s network of Indigenous workers for encouragement.
“In years to come, it will be an honour to see where the Arrow scholars end up in life and to know our company contributed to their development as the leaders of their generation.”
The Arrow Energy High Performance Program runs from August 8 to 10.
Arrow’s scholars are from Traditional Owner groups in the company’s areas of operation and each received a scholarship valued between $5000 and $10,000 per year for the term of their study.
The scholarships are part of Arrow’s $780,000 commitment to provide Indigenous scholarships and supporting programs, camps and bursaries.