Gladstone student going further with environment and ancestral connection, supported by Arrow Energy

CQUniversity Environmental Science student Jorja Wem is forging a new career through her studies' and growing her connection to country too.

The proud Wakka Wakka and Wulli Wulli woman began her degree in 2021' and this year was a successful recipient of an Arrow Energy Go Further Indigenous Scholarship.

Living in Gladstone and juggling her studies with a job in industry' Jorja said the scholarship means she can focus on assignments without stressing about income.

"The biggest challenge I have faced while studying has been my working hours'" she said.

"Since obtaining a scholarship' the funds have allowed me to spend more time on uni work' meaning I can live comfortably without needing the extra work hours."

Jorja said she's had many highlights since starting her degree.

"What I love the most' and what's inspiring me the most' is learning the history of the land and how the First Nations people' my ancestors' lived and connected with the environment'" she said.

Jorja hopes her studies will lead to a career with comfort and stability for her family.

She hopes to work in the oil and gas industry and drive better outcomes for the environment.

The Arrow Energy Go Further Indigenous Scholarship provides recognition and assistance to Indigenous students studying an undergraduate or postgraduate degree at CQUniversity.

Arrow Energy is committed to supporting better educational outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Since 2012' Arrow has offered more than 30 scholarships to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their tertiary educational outcomes at CQUniversity.

Valued at up to $10'000 for one year' the Arrow Energy initiative is one of many scholarships and bursaries available to CQUniversity students' to help with things like relocation' living on campus' laptops and technology' childcare' study and living expenses' travel and more.

"We're delighted to support the learning journey of young Indigenous students like Jorja through our partnership with CQUniversity'" Rachael Cronin' Arrow's Vice President for External Relations and Tenure Management' said.

"The Go Further Indigenous Scholarships are about giving Indigenous students in rural and remote communities greater access to tertiary education opportunities.

"It's wonderful to hear Jorja wants to use her environmental studies to pursue a career in the resources sector – who knows' perhaps she'll be part of the Arrow team one day!"

The CQUniCares Scholarship program changes lives and CQU is grateful to partner with organisations like Arrow Energy who share the University's passion for making a difference in the lives of our students' their families and our communities.

Applications for 2023 scholarships at CQUniversity open in early October. Scholarships can help to balance study and life commitments and' in some cases' open doors to career networks and work experience opportunities.

Visit cqu.edu.au/scholarships for more information.