Empowering tomorrow’s leaders: Moreton Bay’s commitment to education

Published 21 February 2024

Local students are seizing a life-changing opportunity to further their education, with the awarding of the 2024 City of Moreton Bay scholarships and bursaries.

Established in 2020, through a partnership with the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC), the City of Moreton Bay Scholarship Program assists locals to overcome financial challenges and achieve higher education goals.

Mayor Peter Flannery emphasised Council’s commitment to boosting the city’s tertiary participation rate by providing up to $40,000 to individual students.

“I’m proud to congratulate this year’s cohort of seven scholarship recipients and 12 Study Support Bursary recipients, on their journey to becoming the leaders of tomorrow,” he said.

“Before Council worked with UniSC to build the city’s first full-service university campus, locals had to travel outside of the region to get a higher education.

“Now, since the inception of our scholarship program, we have supported 68 students, living in Moreton Bay, during their university degrees.

“Twenty-two of those students (32%) are the first in their family to pursue tertiary education, which we know is one of the biggest barriers to entry.

“By offering these scholarships to students, Council aims to foster a community of bright and talented individuals who will contribute to the city’s growth and prosperity for years to come.”

The annual program offers seven scholarships valued at $8,000 per year throughout the duration of the degree, as well as up to 16 Study Support Bursaries valued at $2,000 each, available to local students of any age pursuing an undergraduate degree.

UniSC Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Helen Bartlett, said scholarships towards a university education were an investment in individuals as well as the community.

“With historically low tertiary participation rates in Moreton Bay, UniSC is filling a significant need for those with the ambition to achieve a university education without leaving the area,” Professor Bartlett said.

“The enormous growth projection for Moreton Bay shows us clearly that a pipeline of skilled university graduates will be vital for sustaining, growing and creating the future of Moreton Bay industry and innovation.

“In partnership with Council, we are eager to identify and support talent early as they build their skills and knowledge over the next few years at university, and we are thrilled to welcome such an ambitious and talented group of new students to UniSC Moreton Bay.”

2024 City of Moreton Bay Scholarship Recipients:

For more information on City of Moreton Bay’s Scholarship program including eligibility criteria and how to apply please visit Council’s website.