High Achiever wins Moreton Bay Regional Council Bursary

Published 23 September 2021

Academic-philanthropic teenage extraordinaire Nikita Mathison hopes to one day lead the next wave of doctors coming out of Moreton Bay Region, and she’s well on her way thanks to Council’s $1,000 National Council of Women of Queensland (NCWQ) bursary.

Mayor Peter Flannery said it was a great honour to present Nikita with her bursary at Council’s Caboolture chambers on Tuesday (21 September) as just reward for her hard work in the community.

“Our region is full of many high achieving individuals and Nikita Mathison is certainly one of our brightest shining stars,” he said.

“Nikita has a resume of community work that is larger than most people’s lifetime of work.

“The Scarborough local volunteered to support disadvantaged families at Peninsula-based charity group Salt No Limits, while achieving a 99.50 ATAR in her final year of school among many other achievements.

“I’m proud of Council’s sponsorship of the annual NCWQ bursary, which helps foster the next wave of community leaders and celebrate the achievements of female students across the country.”

Nikita graduated from Mueller College in Rothwell in 2020 where she scored an ATAR of 99.50 and received her school’s academic medal for the highest achieving student.

She was part of the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award scheme, competed in triathlon at the State championships, studied piano and was involved in her school’s service team where she helped organise fundraising activities.

Nikita also volunteered for Redcliffe-based charity group Salt No Limits, coaching a netball team for disadvantaged youth and working in their café.

She is now studying a Bio Medical Science and Science dual degree at University of Queensland and hopes to specialise in neurology and neonatology.

Nikita said this bursary would be a great start to her studies, which could take up to 12 years to complete.

“I really appreciate the award. With having a lot of years of study ahead it will be a big help,” Nikita said.

“I’m very determined. I always try to do my best. I wanted to do a range of things at school to show that you don’t just have to be about one thing.

“My mum has been a big support. She has always taken me to different events or listens to me when I’m struggling.”

For more information about the bursary and for updates on next year's award, please visit: Moreton Bay Regional Council Bursary – NCWQ Inc