Powering potential: CQUniversity and Arrow Energy celebrate milestone for First Nations graduates
An innovative partnership between CQUniversity and Arrow Energy has supported its 50th First Nations graduate, marking a major milestone in a decade-long effort to deliver education and opportunity across Queensland.
Now in its second decade, the collaboration continues to go from strength to strength, with six students recently awarded the 2026 Arrow Energy Go Further Indigenous Tertiary Scholarship, bringing the total number of First Nations students supported through the program to more than 50 since its inception in 2013.
Backed by an annual contribution of $50,000–$60,000, the scholarship provides up to $10,000 per year to help undergraduate and postgraduate students pursue their studies, with a focus on students from Traditional Owner groups connected to Arrow’s operations and those pursuing STEM disciplines.
CQUniversity Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Nick Klomp said the enduring partnership reflected a shared commitment to empowering First Nations people through education.
“The impact of Arrow Energy’s support is profound,” Professor Klomp said.
“These scholarships are not only helping students access higher education but also equipping them with the skills and confidence to succeed and give back to their communities.”
In addition to the scholarships, the partnership has driven innovation through the Whanu Binal Indigenous Entrepreneur program - an initiative designed to foster entrepreneurship and economic independence.
Since 2020, the program has supported 140 aspiring and emerging First Nations entrepreneurs through online learning and mentoring, backed by more than $800,000 in funding from Arrow Energy.
In 2025, the program entered an exciting new phase with the introduction of CQUniversity’s Diploma of Indigenous Entrepreneurship and Innovation, transforming Whanu Binal into a nationally recognised qualification. Arrow Energy is sponsoring tuition fees for around 12 students in the inaugural cohort, representing an investment of about $200,000.
Arrow Energy Community Manager Brydie Hedges said the partnership with CQUniversity was central to the company’s commitment to building stronger, more resilient communities.
“We’re proud to partner with CQUniversity to create meaningful pathways for First Nations students and entrepreneurs,” Ms Hedges said.
“Through initiatives like the Go Further scholarships and the Whanu Binal program, we’re supporting individuals to achieve their goals while contributing to long-term economic empowerment in their communities.”
As both organisations look to the future, the partnership remains firmly focused on creating opportunity, building capability, and driving positive change - demonstrating the powerful role collaboration can play in shaping more inclusive and prosperous communities.
