Helping hand for students

TERRAIN NRM has launched an Indigenous education bursaries program in the Wet Tropics region to help students with their studies and future employment opportunities.

Natural Capital Fund director and Terrain NRM board’s first “emerging leader” Rhiannon Simcocks (below) said the fund wanted to encourage more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to become future leaders in natural resource management. Students in the fields of natural resource management, environment, sustainable development, agriculture and conservation are eligible for the fund’s $3000 bursaries.

“It’s incredibly important for us to recognise the connection between young Indigenous people and country,’’ she said. “We are hoping this new program will help to support Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders who want to further their studies for careers in natural resource management and advancements in collaborative management of the land and sea.”

Terrain NRM board member and Djabugay traditional owner Barry Hunter was heartened to see more Indigenous people caring for country in the Wet Tropics region and guiding cultural land and sea management.

“We are seeing growth in land, fire and cultural heritage management roles,’’ he said.

“We are also seeing growth in Indigenous-led research. Having more young Aboriginal people engaged in the Wet Tropics region is crucial.”

Ms Simcocks said longterm goals of the program included an alumnus of bursary holders. “There is a huge amount to be learned from young Indigenous people, and from younger voices as a whole,’’ she said.

For bursary applications go to www.terrain.org.au and look under “latest news”.

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