New annual scholarship to support stronger regions

Southern Ports has partnered with Curtin University to deliver an annual regional scholarship to provide financial support for passionate individuals from the Great Southern, South West and Goldfields-Esperance regions who are looking to extend their education.

The Steve Lewis Regional Scholarship will provide up to $112,000 over four years to support a current or future Curtin University student, in addition to offering paid vacation work or mentoring with Southern Ports.

Southern Ports’ Chief Executive Officer Keith Wilks said it was an exciting opportunity for regional students and another way Southern Ports’ is supporting strong regions.

“We’re so pleased to offer this scholarship to support those based in our regions to not only complete an undergraduate degree, but also offer them valuable port industry experience and mentoring,” said Mr Wilks.

“We know from our own workforce that we have exceptional people based in the regions, so we’re keen to provide every opportunity to develop future employment skills and opportunities for those from these areas.”

The scholarship was named after Southern Ports’ previous Chief Executive Officer Steve Lewis to commemorate his service to the organisation and wider ports sector after his retirement in April last year.

“This scholarship embodies Steve Lewis who throughout his career championed intergenerational skills development and regional growth,” Mr Wilks said.

Steve Lewis said that it was an honour to be recognised in this way and see this scholarship come to life for the benefit of southern region students.

“I look forward to seeing the success that comes from the individuals who receive this scholarship in the years to come,” said Mr Lewis.

“The regions where Southern Ports’ operates are vital to our state and its economy and it’s pleasing to see that they will be further supported through this scholarship program.”

Curtin University Vice-Chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne said the Steve Lewis Regional Scholarship was an exciting education initiative for regional families and communities. 

“This new program furthers Curtin’s delivery of education to regional Western Australia, which contributes so much to the State,” she said.

"This generous scholarship funded by Southern Ports will help reduce the financial barrier for students from these regions to follow their higher education and career aspirations.

“Working in partnership with Southern Ports will provide immense benefit to industry in these regions by producing career-ready, world-class graduates.”

Regional individuals from the South West, Great Southern or Goldfields-Esperance regions looking to study at Curtin University's Kalgoorlie or Bentley campuses in the preferred areas of Science and Engineering or Business and Law as an undergraduate area encouraged to apply.

Applications open on Monday 15 January 2024 until Wednesday 6 March 2024 with the inaugural recipient to commence their degree in 2024.

For more information on the Steve Lewis Regional Scholarship visit scholarships.curtin.edu.au or download the flyer here.