Indigenous studies, biomedical science, engineering and criminology – these are just some of the areas of study being supported by the Blacktown City Council 2022 Tertiary Scholarship Awards.
The annual program awards the outstanding academic performance of university students who live in Blacktown City and have completed at least one year of study at a recognised institution.
This year, Council awarded 12 students with $1,500 scholarships to assist them in their studies.
Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM said the 12 students demonstrated exceptional dedication and talent in pursuit of their university studies.
“Council is proud to champion the diversity, talent and achievements of our university students as they pursue their chosen fields,” Mayor Bleasdale said.
“We know that support from family, friends and the wider community is critical to success at university, therefore, Council is committed to helping local students achieve their academic goals.
“The breadth of courses being undertaken by the recipients of this year’s scholarships will no doubt ensure the future of Blacktown City is in capable hands.
“I am sure the recipients will serve the Blacktown community well when they have concluded their studies and are able to put the knowledge obtained from their degrees into practice in their working lives in our City.
“I wish our scholarship recipients all the very best in their academic endeavours and future careers.”
The recipient of the 2022 Anne Aquilina Scholarship is Sean Yong, of the Ponds, who is studying a Bachelor of Biomedical Science.
The scholarship is named in honour of Anne Aquilina, the popular Blacktown physiotherapist and academic and late wife of the first Mayor of Blacktown City Council, Hon. John Aquilina, and assists students of physiotherapy, sports medicine or health sciences.
Council received a large number of applications, with short-listed students assessed by an independent judging panel on the basis of their academic achievements and an interview.
Mayor Bleasdale thanked the judges for their commitment to the prestigious initiative.
“This program would not be possible without our judges: Dr Bill Palmer, Senior lecturer, School of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Sydney; Neville Webber, Emeritus Professor, School of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Sydney; and, Anne-Marie Kestle, a retired secondary teacher.
“These judges have given up so much of their time to ensure that this program continues to be a success.”
Blacktown City Council’s 2022 Tertiary Scholarship Award recipients:
• Luke Barber, of Blacktown, studying Bachelor of Arts (Philosophy) and Bachelor of Laws.
• Anthony Barbour, of Seven Hills, studying a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours).
• Annabelle Beazley, of Riverstone, studying a Bachelor of Ancient History.
• Bree Ellyard, of Parklea, studying a Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Laws.
• Lara Ferri, of Mount Druitt, studying a Bachelor of Criminal and Community Justice/Bachelor of Laws.
• Bryton Johnson, of Blacktown, studying Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Commerce (Majoring in Economics).
• Rowan Heggen, of Blacktown, studying a Bachelor of Advanced Science (Biology).
• Cindy Li, of Blacktown, studying Bachelor of Education (Primary).
• Lua Rose Pellegrini, of Toongabbie, studying a Bachelor of Fine Arts/Arts (Majoring in Indigenous Studies, Minoring in Human Resource Management).
• Mursal Rahimi, of Marsden Park, studying a Combined Bachelor of Arts/Laws.
• Gurnoor Singh, of Blacktown, studying Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)/Bachelor of Commerce.
• Sean Yong, of the Ponds, studying a Bachelor of Biomedical Science. Recipient of the 2022 Anne Aquilina Scholarship.
Picture: Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM with the recipients of Blacktown City Council’s 2022 Tertiary Scholarship Awards.
