First-year CQU Gladstone students' studies boosted by Gladstone Region Mayor Awards

Six outstanding first-year CQUniversity Gladstone students have been recognised for commitment to their studies and the community at the Gladstone Region Mayor Awards celebration event.

The Awards are a partnership between CQU and Gladstone Regional Council' which provides participating local schools with the opportunity to nominate a star Year 12 student who is set to study with CQU the following year.

The Awards are made possible through a generous donation made by Gladstone Regional Council' with each student receiving a $2000 education boost.

The 2021 Gladstone Region Mayor Award recipients were Jemma Holzberger' Anna Keirsnowski' Hope Perchard' Annamonet Massey' Stefani Seumanu and Jack Small.

CQU's Director for the Coastal Marine Ecosystems Research Centre (CMERC) Dr Emma Jackson commended the students for their commitment during an intimate celebration event at the CQUniversity Gladstone marina campus' with special guests Acting Mayor Cr Kahn Goodluck' Cr Chris Cameron' Cr Glenn Churchill and Cr Rick Hansen' CQU staff and some of the recipients' families in attendance.

During the ceremony' Dr Jackson congratulated the six students and welcomed them to CQU.

"As well as exhibiting a strong commitment to the Gladstone region and their studies' these six students have demonstrated an eagerness to help others'" said Dr Jackson.

"The demand for skilled professionals in the Gladstone region is growing every day' so having passionate workers who are trained locally will provide a boost to the community.

"CQUniversity is proud to welcome these bright' young minds and I know we are all looking forward to seeing where their studies take them."

Bachelor of Arts student' Stefani Seumanu' said the award means she is one step closer to her dream job.

"It has always been my dream ever since I was a little girl to become a journalist. I would love to be a voice for the voiceless and help those who cannot help themselves."

"I hope to one day work for one our major news outlets in Australia such as the Nine Network or 7News. This award means that my dream is one step closer to becoming reality'" said Ms Seumanu.

For Hope Perchard' who is studying a Bachelor of Nursing' she said the award will provide a healthy boost to her education and future career in an uncertain time.

"I lost my job two months ago due to the business shutting down and I have been on a frantic search for a new job since. I was stressing about how I would be able to pay for university next term and into the future'" explained Ms Perchard.

"This award will go to good use for my education and career aspirations of becoming a midwife. I love helping others' showing compassion and learning about the human body' so when I was accepted into the Bachelor of Nursing at CQU I was so happy that I would be able to have a degree that would make a difference in the lives of others.

"I am forever thankful to the donors for helping me pursue my dream career."

Fellow Bachelor of Nursing student' Jemma Holzberger' said she is greatly appreciative of receiving this award.

"To me' the award conveys what great support the Gladstone Regional Council and CQUniversity shows to students in the region.

"I am looking forward to my first placement' as I enjoy hands-on learning. I know it will be a great experience for me and a good insight into my future profession."

"I'm unsure of what the future holds for me' but I am excited to discover what I am most passionate about and end up specialising in'" Ms Holzberger said.