The Water Corporation has announced a scholarship program aimed at Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
Launching the scheme, the Minister for Water, Dave Kelly said that each year for the next five years, four Aboriginal students would be supported through Years 11 and 12 and three years of tertiary study under the Water Corporation Madalah Scholarship Program.
“Delivered in partnership with Indigenous not-for-profit Madalah Limited, the program will provide $700,000 to support a total of 20 students by 2026. The financial contribution will assist with tuition and boarding fees and related expenses,” Mr Kelly said.
“Work placements will also be an option for the four students, including two from regional Western Australia.”
He said each student would be mentored by senior Water Corporation leaders, and given an insight into career opportunities in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
“The program sits alongside the Water Corporation’s Emerging Aboriginal Leadership Program and reflects its commitment to creating training and employment opportunities for Indigenous Western Australians,” Mr Kelly said.
He noted that the Corporation currently had 181 Aboriginal employees across the State as it worked towards its employment target of six per cent Indigenous representation this year.
“This fantastic initiative will help close the gap in educational and career opportunities for these Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, and open the door to an exciting career with Water Corporation,” Mr Kelly said.
He was supported by Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Stephen Dawson who said financial support such as this scholarship program could be life-changing, especially when students were beginning a new career or study venture.
“I wish the participants all the best with their academic development and upskilling over the coming years,” Mr Dawson said.
