On Wednesday 29th June, the 2016 Northparkes Mines Indigenous Scholarships were awarded to Gabrielle Ebsworth and Kerrod Griffiths. Gabrielle is from Narromine and is currently studying a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Melbourne. Kerrod, who is from Condobolin, is currently studying a Bachelor of Health Science (Indigenous) at the University of Wollongong.
The scholarship presentation was held at Northparkes and attended by scholarship holders, their families and Ralph Smith and Rob Clegg from the Northparkes Wiradjuri Executive Committee. The Welcome to Country was delivered by Rob Clegg to open the proceedings, who said; “I’m so happy to see young Indigenous people going to university and moving forward.”
Northparkes Managing Director Stefanie Loader welcomed the scholarship holders and their families to Northparkes, “You are a part of our future, and we hope you find your place at Northparkes,” she said. Kerrod said he appreciated the financial support provided by the scholarship. “Down the road I see myself moving back to the country and working in public health, helping Indigenous people.” Gabrielle Ebsworth said; “I might work in Indigenous Affairs when I’m older, I think it’s important and more effective when Indigenous people help each other.”
In addition to financial support, students receive work placements on site at Northparkes and throughout Australia. Gabrielle and Kerrod join a cohort of eight Indigenous tertiary students across NSW who study in a variety of fields including electrical engineering, environmental science, social work, and communication and media. The program is in its fifth year and is available to Indigenous students aged 30 years or younger who have been accepted into a tertiary degree.