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Media Release
$160,000 FOR INDIGENOUS STAFF SCHOLARSHIPS - 2005 WINNERS ANNOUNCED
2 November 2005 MIN 2037/05
Five outstanding Indigenous university staff members were today recognised for their contribution to increasing participation of Indigenous Australians in universities.
Established as part of the Government’s Higher Education Reform package, the Indigenous Staff Scholarships are worth $160,000 this year and are aimed at increasing the professional development opportunities for academic or general Indigenous staff at higher education institutions.
Indigenous academics are powerful role models for Indigenous Australians and make an important contribution to developing the aspirations of young Indigenous Australians.
The 2005 awardees are:
- Ms Leanne Holt – University of Newcastle, NSW
- Mr Philip Rodgers-Falk – Griffith University, QLD
- Ms Carolyn Moylan – Curtin University of Technology, WA
- Mr John Barber – Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education, NT
- Ms Sharon Moore – James Cook University, QLD
Further information on the recipients is attached.
Each scholarship winner will be provided with up to $10,600 to cover tuition fees and student contribution amounts in an area of study of their choice. In addition, each winner will also receive a stipend of $21,400 for study in 2006.
I congratulate the five winners for their ongoing contribution to indigenous education and wish them every success with their future endeavours.
Information on the 2006 Scholarships will be available early next year.
In addition to these scholarships, the Howard Government’s $11 billion higher education reform package includes:
- the establishment of the Indigenous Higher Education Advisory Council, with $272,000 per year from the Australian Government, to provide policy advice to improve outcomes in higher education for Indigenous students and staff;
- $399.5 million in scholarships to assist students with their education and accommodation costs;
- more than $246 million to support a range of equity initiatives, including funding for Indigenous students, students with disabilities and those from disadvantaged backgrounds;
- $970 million in additional Commonwealth Grants Scheme base funding between 2005 and 2009;
- an increase in the HELP repayment threshold from $25,348 in 2003-04 to $35,000 in 2004-05 and $36,184 in 2005-06. This benefits around 185,000 Australians;
- $328 million to support teaching and learning in universities, including the Carrick Institute;
- $149 million to support regional campuses between 2005 and 2009;
- $236 million between 2005 and 2009 to support the practical component of teaching and nursing programmes;
- $83 million to support workplace productivity in universities;
- $41 million to support collaboration and structural reform; and
- additional opportunities for students to attend university through fee-paying places once Commonwealth supported (previously known as HECS) places are filled. Fee-paying students, in both public and private institutions, now have access to a loan up to a maximum of $50,000, through the new FEE-HELP loan scheme to support them through their study.
Further information can also be obtained from the Backing Australia’s Future website: http://www.backingaustraliasfuture.gov.au/guidelines/scholarships_guide.htm.
Media Contacts:
Dr Nelson’s Office: Yaron Finkelstein 0414 927 663
Dept of Education, Science & Training: Sean Palmer 02 6240 9518
Details of the Indigenous Staff Scholarship recipients
Ms Leanne Holt
University of Newcastle
Support Coordinator at the Wollotuka School of Aboriginal Studies
Member, Board of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education and Training, Newcastle University
2006 study plans: PhD in Business Administration.
Mr Phillip Falk
Griffith University
Lecturer, School of Law, Griffith University Nathan Campus, Brisbane
Member of numerous community and legal groups both within the University and externally
2006 study plans: PhD in Philosophy
Ms Carolyn Moylan
Curtin University of Technology
Coordinator, Aboriginal Bridging Course at the Centre for Aboriginal Studies
Chairperson, Curtin University Academic Planning Committee
Professional member, Women in Executive Development Committee
Member, Ministry for Justice’s Project Reference Group for a Low Security Prison for Women
2006 study plans: PhD in Creative Writing
Mr John Barber
Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education
Community based lecturer at Oenpelli in the School of Business and Community Studies
2006 study plans: Bachelor of Arts (Social Science)
Ms Sharon Moore
James Cook University
Coordinator, Bachelor of Indigenous Studies in the School of Indigenous Studies
Involved in the Christian Leadership Program
2006 study plans: Masters of Indigenous Studies by Research
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