Alice Springs businesses and organisations have demonstrated their support for Charles Darwin University (CDU), with several scholarships awarded to CDU students at a ceremony this week.
About 40 people attended the presentation ceremony in the Desert Lantern Restaurant at the Alice Springs CDU campus, during which seven students received their scholarships:
Alice Springs Town Council Scholarship
Presented by Alice Springs Mayor Fran Kilgariff to business student Brenda Shields.
A special recognition grant was also awarded to childcare student Patricia O’Neill.
James Goulding Tourism Scholarship
Presented by James Goulding to tourism student Tammy Van Der Reijden.
Lasseters Hospitality Scholarship
Presented by Gareth Dunne from Lasseters Hotel Casino to hospitality student Kelly Hoban.
Mac Donnell Range Holiday Park Hospitality Scholarship
Presented by Alderman David Koch on behalf of Brendan Heenan from MacDonnell Range Caravan Park to hospitality student Rebecca Molloy.
Tony Muscat Memorial Scholarship
Presented by Stephanie Muscat to CDU apprentices Brigham Archibald (childcare) and Matthew Turner (tourism – guiding).
It was second time lucky for Certificate IV in Business student Brenda Shields, as she was also awarded an NT Government VET Scholarship earlier this year.
Brenda received the $1000 Alice Springs Town Council Scholarship, which it awards to an Alice Springs student who has demonstrated passion, ability and innovation in their approach to study and has demonstrated active involvement in the community.
Brenda, 55, is a volunteer with the Irrwanyere Aboriginal Corporation. She hopes to use her qualification to develop an indigenous art or tourism business.
"The support and encouragement I have been given at CDU has motivated me to continue further studies. The scholarships will assist me financially to gain employment at the end of my study," Brenda said.
The Alice Springs Campus Administrator, Dianne Underwood, said the scholarships were indicative of the strong links CDU has with local businesses and organisations in the community.
“These scholarships are a great investment in the students who have decided to stay in Alice Springs to complete their studies and contribute to the continued growth and development of the Northern Territory economy,” she said.
“Charles Darwin University is grateful for the support it receives from local government, industry and the NT and Commonwealth Government through scholarships and work opportunities for CDU apprentices, trainees and graduates.”