BMA commits to ongoing support of CQUniversity students, research and community

CQUniversity Australia has today welcomed an announcement from BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) that it will continue to support initiatives that benefit the University’s students, research and the regional communities in which they operate for another five years. 

Steve Johnston, Head of Production for BMA, announced the company’s re-commitment by saying that the partnership between the two organisations has a track-record of delivering beneficial outcomes to First Nations communities in regional Queensland.

“BMA is delighted to re-commit to our successful partnership with CQUniversity, and over the next five years we will provide more than $3.7 million to continue funding student scholarships, research projects and pathways, and community engagement initiatives led by the University’s Office of Indigenous Engagement and BMA Chair in Indigenous Engagement role.

“Today’s commitment means that over the past decade, and with the renewed partnership, BHP and BMA have invested more than $9 million through CQUniversity to facilitate opportunities for education, training, community-led research and educational inclusion for First Nations Peoples throughout regional Queensland,” Mr Johnston said.

CQUniversity’s Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Nick Klomp said he was grateful for BMA’s continued support for the University as well as the broader Central Queensland region.

“I would like to thank BMA for their contribution to CQUniversity as it allows us to deliver several high-value scholarships and programs that directly support students and our local communities.

“This support doesn’t just benefit the students and researchers who receive funding, but it pays long-term dividends when it comes to developing our regions,” Prof Klomp said. 

“For example, outcomes of the partnership over the last five years have included the funding of 47 undergraduate student scholarships with more than 15 students graduating already in disciplines including education, nursing, medical science, law and paramedic science. 

“These are professionals who are supported to study in our region and encouraged to stay in our region after graduation. 

“The scholarships help to grow future workforces in our regions and allow much-needed nurses, paramedics, allied health professionals and teachers to study and complete their courses because of this generous financial support.”

Professor Klomp also said that the support from BMA allowed the University to appoint a dedicated Chair of Indigenous Engagement who has overseen the delivery and establishment of several flagship programs. 

“Professor Adrian Miller, the BMA Chair in Indigenous Engagement focuses on strategic planning, capacity building, engagement and performance, to achieve better outcomes for First Nations Australians in education, training, research and employment.

“In his role, Professor Miller has led the development of cultural competency programs for staff and students and has also developed the First Nations Community Engagement: Industry Guide Phase I in partnership with BHP to be used as a guide for community engagement for industry.”

Professor Adrian Miller who will continue his appointment as BMA Chair in Indigenous Engagement as a result of the partnership renewal, said that he was grateful to BMA for their ongoing investment in the regions, especially within First Nations communities and First Nations research.

“Through BMA’s commitment and support of our activities, we have been able to support several research initiatives, most notably the establishment of the Woorabinda Education, Enterprise and Research Hubs.

“This project identifies and offers an understanding of the processes required to develop and implement Community Hubs which respond to community needs and requirements to build capacity.

“BMA’s support has made this possible and the research outcomes being realised as part of the project will help to benefit other communities across Queensland and Australia,” Prof Miller said.

“My team and I look forward to continuing this work with BMA and realising more beneficial outcomes and opportunities for our regions.”

The BMA and CQUniversity partnership was established in 2012 and over that decade, the two organisations have worked together to encourage healthy, resilient, connected communities.

The new partnership will be active for five years and is valued at $3.75 million, with more than $2.3 million of the investment being directed at First Nations research projects and researcher development.