Grant a recognition of community work
A PRESTIGIOUS $10,000 scholarship will allow Cairns community mentor Trenae Jia to follow her dreams.
Ms Jia is a Cairns resident of the Yidinji, Kuku Yalanji and Badu Island people and recipient of the 2020 Dr Evelyn Scott Scholarship.
The scholarship will contribute to covering the costs of completing her Bachelor of Exercise Science and a Bachelor of Psychological Science degrees at Griffith University.
The Dr Evelyn Scott Scholarship is awarded annually by Bupa to honour the legacy of
Dr Scott, a Mt Sheridan resident and a proud indigenous leader who spent her life fighting for rights of all peoples.
Like Dr Scott, Ms Jia was recognised as a strong advocate and supporter of her community. Along with working as an indigenous teacher aide at Helensvale State High School, Trenae mentors Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander high school students in the Gold Coast and Logan area.
She visits local schools once a week to offer academic and social support to students.
Ms Jia said she would use the scholarship to help her cover the cost of university and support her ambition of volunteering overseas.
“I was in shock when I received the call from Bupa congratulating me,” she said.
“This scholarship ... will open up a world of opportunities for my personal, educational and professional development.’’
‘’The scholarship will also allow me to regularly return to Cairns to visit my family without the stress of managing travel costs from the Gold Coast where I study.”
Bupa Director of Health Partnerships and Innovation Cindy Shay congratulated Trenae on her outstanding achievements in the community and the workplace.
“Trenae is an outstanding individual who embodies the values of Dr Scott and we were incredibly grateful to have her intern with us at Bupa,” she said.
“We’re passionate about supporting future female leaders and providing education and employment opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.’’