Unitywater CEO Anna Jackson said Mel was the second recipient of the utility’s Bright Future for First Nation Students Scholarship, after it was first offered in 2022.
“Mel is a passionate, proud and driven First Nations woman from the Yuin nation in New South Wales,” Ms Jackson said.
“This extraordinary woman studies and works full time while raising three children, one of whom is living with a disability.”
Ms Farmer said she was surprised and excited to have received this scholarship and welcomes the opportunity it brings to encourage more support for First Nations people.
“In the future, I would like to see more diverse and inclusive workplaces with all the doors of opportunity open to First Nation people.”
Ms Jackson also presented the second Fiona Waterhouse Women in STEM Scholarship, which is awarded to an outstanding female student studying in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
UniSc Environmental Science student Caitlyn Turner is this year’s recipient and says her future career goals consist of being able to make a difference in creating a cleaner and safer environment for both animals and humans.
“I would like to be able to contribute towards creating positive changes in our environment, whether that be from a desk or out in the field and water really is the central factor surrounding this,” she said.
“I was inspired by Fiona Waterhouse’s story and would love to uphold her legacy through the opportunity that has been provided.”
Ms Jackson said the scholarship honoured late Unitywater Board Member Fiona Waterhouse and her passion for proving that people could make a mark in any industry, regardless of their gender.
“Fiona had a deep commitment to the development of Australian women and First Nations peoples and this scholarship promotes her legacy,” she said.
Jake Paskins, who received the Bright Future in Engineering Scholarship joined Unitywater as a Vacation Student in November 2022 and said he was thrilled to receive the scholarship.
“I am getting hands on experience working part-time in the Capital Works Planning team while I complete my dual degree in Civil Engineering and Environmental Science at UniSc,” he said.
“When I’m not studying or working, you can find me soaking some sun with my dog Maverick, hiking in the great outdoors, rock climbing and working towards my goal to skydive for the first time.”
Unitywater has several programs which enable people in our region to gain experience in and exposure to the wide range of careers available in the water industry.
“As one of the largest employers and service providers in the Sunshine Coast, Noosa and Moreton Bay, we are proud to offer opportunities like scholarships to support some of our region’s brightest students,” Ms Jackson said.
Find out more about Unitywater Career opportunities at www.unitywater.com/about-us/careers
Unitywater scholarship recipients set for a bright future
“Mum life, work, study, repeat” is Mel Farmer’s mantra. She’s one of three talented University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) students who have received a helping hand towards their future through a Unitywater scholarship.
