Local students receive welcome kick-start to their careers
Published: 24 Jul 2024
Five university students will get a head start in their careers as recipients of Mackay Regional Council’s 2024 Academic Bursary.
The popular Academic Bursary program is now in its twelfth year and offers $5000 bursaries to assist students, with each recipient receiving biannual instalments of $1250 for their final two years of study.
There is also the opportunity for 12 weeks of paid work experience with council.
Mayor Greg Williamson said it was a hard decision this year due to the high calibre of nominations received.
“We had some fantastic applications this year, which proves we really are producing some of the best and brightest in the nation,” Mayor Williamson said.
“We’re so proud to have them staying, or in some cases returning home to Mackay, to take up the valuable work experience available with council as part of these bursaries,” he said.
“Another benefit of this program is that it will hopefully entice the students to remain in our region when they join the workforce after graduating, which is important in helping to ease the current skills shortage.”
The five recipients, Cayley Daniel, Jessica Borg, Mark Bico, Mike Bico and Tyler Pittaway were officially recognised at a morning tea today (Wednesday, July 24).
2024 Mackay Regional Council Academic Bursary recipients:
Cayley Daniel
> Bachelor of Nursing at James Cook University, Mackay.
Cayley is a proud local with strong family ties in Mackay. She fell in love with nursing after assisting her mother in caring for her grandparents during their health battles. In late 2023, Cayley completed a three-week work placement at Mackay Base Hospital where she fell further in love with the fast-paced dynamic nature of primary healthcare. Cayley looks forward to future employment with Mackay Base Hospital and continuing to call Mackay home.
Jessica Borg
> Bachelor of Education, CQUniversity Mackay.
Jessica is a fifth generation Mackay local who is passionate about educating young locals by using her local knowledge of history, culture and people to make learning fun and relevant for her students. She recently commenced a position as a teacher aide at a local primary school and is enjoying making meaningful connections with staff, students and parents. Jessica is looking forward to her goal of completing her degree and continuing to teach in Mackay.
Mark Bico
> Bachelor of Medicine at James Cook University.
After moving to Mackay from the Philippines at the age of 12, Mark realises the importance of free, readily available medical care. Hence, he is passionate about working in public health as he believes that everyone should have equal access to healthcare. His goal is to become a specialist in the oral or maxillofacial surgery area. Once he has completed his studies, he would like to work at the Mackay Base Hospital to take advantage of their mentoring and support.
Mike Bico
> Bachelor of Engineering and IT at Queensland University of Technology.
Mike is currently studying in Brisbane and is keen to return to his family in Mackay and give back to the region after graduation. He looks forward to working in a field that he believes impacts society positively via problem-solving and innovation.
Tyler Pittaway
> Masters of Clinical Chiropractic Care at CQUniversity.
Tyler is a proud local looking to start his career in Mackay and give back to the community who has given him so much. Tyler enjoys helping other members of the community to improve their health to become the best versions of themselves. Tyler one day aspires to open his own practice in Mackay and be surrounded by like-minded health practitioners and make an impact on others and the world in a positive way.
Five students have been awarded council’s 2024 Academic Bursary. From left is Tyler Pittaway,
Mark Bico, and Amelia Bico (accepting for Mike Bico), Jessica Borg, Cayley Daniel.
Click on image to enlarge.