What’s happening?
Cherbourg’s Jennakye Simpson has been awarded the 2026 South Burnett First Nations Scholarship.
Ms Simpson is a proud Wakka Wakka woman, an emerging Cherbourg community leader and a Queensland University of Technology student.
Now in its second year, the scholarship supports Australian First Nations students as they pursue university education. It also helps build future career pathways, including in the energy industry.
General Manager Southern Generation at Tarong power stations, Michael Joy, said the scholarship was created to support First Nations students and their goals.
“This scholarship is about creating opportunities and supporting Australian First Nations students to achieve their goals and create positive outcomes for themselves, their families and their communities,” Mr Joy said.
“We’re honoured to support Jennakye and look forward to following her journey.”
Why it matters?
The scholarship gives Jennakye support as she continues her education and works towards her future career.
It combines financial assistance, mentoring and vacation work opportunities, giving students support in and beyond the classroom.
Jennakye said receiving the scholarship was an important step in her education and career pathway.
“This scholarship opens up new opportunities for me and supports my goals for the future,” Ms Simpson said.
“It means a lot to have the support of my community and Stanwell behind me as I continue my studies.”
Local Impact
For Cherbourg and the wider South Burnett, the scholarship helps strengthen local education and career opportunities for young First Nations people.
It was made possible through local collaboration and was codesigned by Stanwell, the Wakka Wakka Native Title Aboriginal Corporation, Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council, the Cherbourg Elders Advisory Group and the local education community.
Mr Joy said these partnerships were important for long-term community outcomes.
“We’ve worked closely with our partners to bring this scholarship to life, and we’re committed to supporting pathways that create lasting benefits for individuals, families and the broader community,” he said.
By the numbers
- The scholarship is now in its second year, continuing support for First Nations students in the South Burnett.
- The 2026 scholarship has been awarded to one recipient, Cherbourg’s Jennakye Simpson.
- Five local partners helped codesign the scholarship with Stanwell, linking education, community and career support.
Zoom In
The South Burnett First Nations Scholarship provides practical support while students complete their studies.
Through financial assistance, mentoring and vacation work, the program helps students gain experience that can support future employment.
For Jennakye, that support will sit alongside her studies at Queensland University of Technology and her growing role as an emerging Cherbourg community leader.
Zoom Out
The scholarship reflects Stanwell’s commitment to reconciliation in action through education, leadership and opportunity.
By backing students like Jennakye, the program supports stronger First Nations career pathways in the South Burnett.
It also shows how local organisations, Elders, education groups and industry can work together on long-term community outcomes.
What To Look For Next?
Jennakye will continue building her education and career experience with support from the 2026 South Burnett First Nations Scholarship.
The mentoring and vacation work opportunities may help her gain practical experience while she continues her studies at Queensland University of Technology.
For Cherbourg and the wider South Burnett, the scholarship is likely to keep strengthening local pathways for young First Nations students.
