Students with a vision to make a difference in their local community are invited to apply for the 2019 Queensland Country CQUniversity Scholarship.
Funded each year by Queensland Country Bank, the scholarship provides up to $10,000 for an ambitious student facing financial challenges to complete their higher education at CQUniversity.
This year’s scholarship recipient, Kym Lillis, is a Townsville mother of two who plans to make a positive difference in the field of mental health once she completes her psychology degree.
With instances of mental illness on the rise in recent years, psychologists are key in developing proactive initiatives to stem the tide.
“You don’t come across anyone who isn’t touched by mental illness in some way,” she said.
“The scholarship has had a huge impact on our lives. It’s allowed us to make ends meet and I don’t know what we would have done otherwise.
“I would definitely recommend the scholarship to others.”
The scholarship has not only enabled Kym to continue her degree, but to achieve her qualification earlier by studying full-time. It covered basic costs like text books, child care and course fees.
Queensland Country CEO Aileen Cull said her team was proud to invest in the next generation of leaders.
“Kym is an outstanding example of someone who is studying for a career that will make a positive difference to others,” she said.
“We look forward to seeing the talent that comes through in next year’s scholarship.”
Aileen said the scholarship was just one of many initiatives in Queensland Country’s community engagement program.
“We have injected $2 million into community projects since 2005,” she said.
“Giving back is all part of our difference as a customer owned banking organisation.
“Without shareholders, we can invest our profits into local areas while providing the best possible products and services to our Members.”