Water industry career in the pipeline for indigenous scholarship recipients

• New scholarship program will cover education costs for Years 11 and 12, plus three years of tertiary study
• Program supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students with a keen interest in STEM learning and the water industry
• Program being rolled out by Water Corporation in partnership with Madalah Limited

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander high school students will have a greater opportunity to pursue a career in Western Australia's water industry, courtesy of a new Water Corporation scholarship program launched today by Water Minister Dave Kelly.

Each year for the next five years, four Aboriginal students will be supported through Years 11 and 12 and three years of tertiary study under the Water Corporation Madalah Scholarship Program.

Delivered in partnership with indigenous not-for-profit Madalah Limited, the program will provide $700,000 to support a total of 20 students by 2026. The financial contribution will assist with tuition and boarding fees and related expenses.

Mr Kelly was on hand to congratulate the program's inaugural recipients at a special presentation event at Water Corporation today.

Work placements will also be an option for the four students, including two from regional Western Australia. Each will be mentored by senior Water Corporation leaders, and given an insight into career opportunities in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

The program sits alongside Water Corporation's Emerging Aboriginal Leadership Program and reflects its commitment to creating training and employment opportunities for indigenous Western Australians.

Water Corporation currently has 181 Aboriginal employees across the State as it works towards its employment target of six per cent representation this year.

Comments attributed to Water Minister Dave Kelly:

"Funded by the McGowan Government, this fantastic initiative will help close the gap in educational and career opportunities for these Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, and open the door to an exciting career with Water Corporation.

"It also supports Water Corporation's commitment to increase employment of Aboriginal people with its current target of six per cent."

Comments attributed to Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery:

"Education is an important part of the pathway to employment and successful careers for indigenous students.

"This welcome commitment by Water Corporation will improve higher education access, particularly for those who need to relocate from regional and remote areas."

Comments attributed to Aboriginal Affairs Minister Stephen Dawson:

"Financial support such as a scholarship program can be life changing, especially when you're starting a new career or study venture.

"For the inaugural recipients of this program, congratulations. This is a firm investment in your future.

"I wish the participants all the best with their academic development and upskilling over the coming years."

Water Minister's office - 6552 6100
Education and Training Minister's office - 6552 5700
Aboriginal Affairs Minister's office - 6552 5800