Having aspirations of going to university or other Higher Education can sometimes stay just that, an aspiration. Thanks to the Mining and Energy Union (MEU) Mineworkers’ Trust Scholarships Program, this year 20 successful applicants will be supported with $7,000 each as they undertake further education.
The Mineworkers’ Trust has disbursed millions of dollars to support vital services and organisations in mining communities and its annual scholarships have helped out hundreds of students from mining and energy families, an investment that will deliver benefits to mining communities for decades to come.
ALYSSA MCCARTY – NERANG
Alyssa graduated from Merrimac State High School in 2024 and lives Nerang. Her father Dion has been in the mining industry for 10 years and is part of the Aquila branch of the MEU.
Alyssa applied for the Mineworkers’ Trust to help her undertake a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy full time at Griffith University’s Gold Coast campus.
“I have a true passion for health and helping people. I feel there is a real need for adequate health services, particularly in small and remote communities across Australia and one day I hope to be part of that health team.
“I feel there is a real need for adequate health services, particularly in small and remote communities. I am passionate about pursuing a career in the health industry as an Occupational Therapist, and I hope to make a positive impact and valued contribution within a small town once I graduate,” she said.
Alyssa would like to continue her studies and undertake a Masters degree in Occupational Therapy which currently isn’t offered at the university where she resides so Alyssa will have to relocate, which of course comes with a cost.
The degree also requires months of fulltime unpaid placement so the scholarship will also help fund textbooks, laptops and living expenses while on placement.
TAIKI LENNARD – TARANGANBA
Taiki’s father has worked in the mining industry for 13 years. He’s a member of the Aquila MEU Lodge and Taiki wants to follow in his footsteps and become an active MEU member throughout his working career once he’s completed his Bachelor of Engineering.
“I am hoping by completing my engineering course, I will be able to contribute to the mining and engineering communities by applying my skills learned at university to the workplace.
“Then becoming an active MEU member throughout my working career advocating for fair working conditions and advancement to enhance workplace safety and productivity,” Taiki said.
He grew up in rural Queensland, surrounded by the mining community for much of his life. To undertake his degree, Taiki will need to move to Brisbane so the scholarship will relieve some of the financial pressure.
“I am determined to bring my newfound knowledge from university back to my community in rural Queensland, supporting and strengthening the community.”
LILLY UHR – BUCASIA
Similar to Alyssa, Lilly is also planning to undertake a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) so she can give back to the regional Queensland community she grew up in.
Lilly’s father has been in the industry for 36 years and is an MEU member at the Grosvenor Lodge.
“Currently in Mackay, the waitlist to be assessed by a pediatric occupational therapist, both public and private is incredibly long, which I have seen first-hand throughout many stints of work experience in both sectors.
“By choosing to practice in regional areas, I would be directly addressing healthcare disparities between north and south-east Queensland and improving essential access to occupational therapy services for mining and energy workers and their families.
“My father has instilled in me the MEU value that everyone deserves a fair go. I believe that Occupational Therapists particularly embody this way of life.
“I am humbled, indebted and forever thankful to the MEU’s contribution to assist me in achieving my dreams.”
