Community Spirit Bursary Students take centre stage

Published on 21 December 2020

Seven outstanding senior students have been recognised for their contributions to making the Western Downs an even better place to live and work as part of Council’s Community Spirit Bursary.

Council’s annual Community Spirit Bursaries support hard working young people from across the region to kickstart their career.

Council Spokesperson for Finance, Corporate Services and Business Strategy Councillor Ian Rasmussen said the Bursaries demonstrated Council’s support and pride in the region’s youth.

“The Western Downs is full of outstanding young people and the Community Spirit Bursary Awards celebrate the year twelve students who go above and beyond both at school and in our community,” Cr Rasmussen said.

“For our graduating Year 12 students, going on to further study can be costly, so Council wanted to give back to those star students who not only performed well in school, but who have contributed significantly to their communities.

“After a year like 2020, it’s even more important we celebrate and reflect on the achievements of our young people, and I congratulate all of this year’s recipients.”

The award winners are carefully selected by their school Principal using criteria including academic performance, contribution to the community, participation in their school community, and tertiary eligibility.

In addition to a $1,000 award to support tertiary study, the 2020 Bursary recipients are offered paid work experience with Council.

Bursary recipient Sam Gillespie said he was really excited to receive the Award which offered experience with a great organisation and a great opportunity.

“If there was any award I was hoping to receive, it was Council’s Bursary Award,” Sam said.

“One of the best things about growing up in the Western Downs is you receive just as many opportunities if not more as students in the city, there are many pathways you can take; academic, cultural and agricultural avenues are all supported and available in our region.

“The Western Downs is a tight knit community and whether it’s in a sporting group or a community event you always know someone and there’s someone looking out for you, there’s a real a sense of community, it really gives you a deeper appreciation of family and community pride.”

Community Spirit Bursary Award Winners 2020
Harriet Young – Miles State High School
Karsten Duvel – Dalby State High School
Ashleigh Hobson – Chinchilla State High School
Samuel Gillespie – Our Lady of the Southern Cross College
Liberty Prentice – Chinchilla Christian College
Madaline Conway – Tara Shire State College
Daniel Peters – Dalby Christian College

For more information about Council’s employment and development opportunities, check out Council’s website: www.wdrc.qld.gov.au
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