Local Students Pursue Diverse Pathways With Cquniversity Scholarships

Photo 1) L-R Community Bank Sarina Deputy Chair Maree Franettovich, Community Bank Sarina Chair Karen May, CQUniversity scholarship recipients Angus Lynch, Shaylee Noy, Luke Reeves, Reed Beveridge and Jasmine Bourke, alongside CQUniversity Professor Rob Brown, Community Bank Sarina Director Anne Fordyce and Community Bank Sarina Director Rainee Shepperson. Photo supplied

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New opportunities await six first year CQUniversity students after receiving scholarships from Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank, in association with CQUniversity.  

Mackenzie Contor, Angus Lynch and Shaylee Noy were officially presented with higher education scholarships, while Reed Beveridge, Jasmine Bourke and Luke Reeves received apprenticeship scholarships at a special event held at CQUniversity Mackay City Campus.  

Community Bank Sarina’s scholarships, delivered through its Community Engagement Program, are available to support students undertaking a range of study and training pathways.  

This year’s recipients represent a diverse mix of study and training pathways, spanning Education (Secondary), Medical Laboratory Science (Honours) and Business (Accounting), alongside apprenticeships in Parks and Gardens, Plumbing at North Queensland Bulk Ports and Mechanical Fitting with Aurizon.  

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Community Bank Sarina Deputy Chair Maree Franettovich said Community Bank Sarina has prioritised a relationship with CQUniversity since 2012 to provide scholarships, encouraging students to pursue their careers locally.

“We were incredibly proud to present Mackenzie, Angus, Shaylee, Reed, Jasmine and Luke with these scholarships and look forward to seeing what they will accomplish in the years ahead,” Ms Franettovich said.  

“Community Bank Sarina invests in scholarships because we know they offer students so much more than financial support – they strengthen young people’s connection to their community, open doors to new opportunities and build confidence and valuable leadership skills.”

Over the past 14 years, Community Bank Sarina has contributed $275,000 in scholarships to support local students.

CQUniversity scholarship recipients Angus Lynch and Shaylee Noy said receiving the scholarship felt incredibly rewarding.  

“It felt great to receive the scholarship, as it will support me in relieving financial stress – so I can focus harder on my studies,” Mr Lynch said.  

“I’ve found this scholarship will provide me with many opportunities to engage in my education but also supports me to work towards my future career in our community,” Ms Noy said.  

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“I strongly encourage all future students to apply!”  

CQUniversity scholarship recipient Jasmine Bourke said that as a mature student changing career paths while raising a family, support like this makes it more achievable to commit to training and development.  

“Becoming a scholarship recipient has been so surreal and rewarding, the recognition received has put a boost in my confidence and made me feel motivated to keep pushing forward.”

Community Bank Sarina also offers Senior Schooling Scholarships at Sarina State High School, with applications open in August. To find out more, email engage@sarinacommunity.com.au.  

Meet the 2026 CQUniversity Scholarship Recipients

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Mackenzie Contor – Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (Honours)  

Angus Lynch – Bachelor of Business (Accounting)  

Shaylee Noy – Bachelor of Education (Secondary)

Jasmine Bourke – Certificate III Parks and Gardens  

Luke Reeves – Certificate III Plumbing  

Reed Beveridge – Certificate III Mechanical Fitter

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