The Minns Labor Government has extended the Glen Turner Scholarship with the University of Newcastle for ten more years, doubling the annual funding to $20,000.
In 2015, the Scholarship was established in memory of Glen Turner, an officer in the former NSW Office of Environment and Heritage, now the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, who was murdered while performing his duties in 2014.
Mr Turner was investigating illegal land clearing in the north of the state when he was killed.
With 14 years in the public service, Mr Turner was highly respected and committed to long-term environmental protection and conservation. He was a valued colleague and friend to many still working in the Department.
He studied at the University of Newcastle, and the Scholarship assists gifted and disadvantaged students with their studies in environmental conservation.
Over the next decade, ten students will benefit from financial assistance, covering tuition fees, study materials and living expenses.
Further information is available here: https://www.newcastle.edu.au/scholarships
Quotes attributable to Minister for the Environment, Penny Sharpe:
"On this day ten years ago, Glen Turner was tragically murdered simply doing his job. He was doing the work that the Government asked him to do and that he believed in - protecting our precious natural environment."
"Today, we pause to remember his legacy and service and I know his loss continues to be felt deeply across NSW Government agencies."
"My hope is that Glen's memory and work will continue to inspire students to pursue academic studies and careers in environmental protection."
Quotes attributable to University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alex Zelinsky:
"For students facing financial hardship or disadvantage, a scholarship can be life-changing, easing external pressures and enabling them to concentrate on their studies."
"The Glen Turner Scholarship has already helped five students to complete their degrees, and we are delighted to see many of them now thriving in careers in environmental conservation, including roles with DCCEEW."
"The continuation and expansion of this scholarship will allow even more students to benefit from Glen's enduring legacy."
Case Studies: Past recipients of Glen Turner Scholarship
Hanne Newman
- Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management (Hons), Scholarship 2017
- Working as a catchment scientist at Hunter Water
Quotes attributable to Hanne Newman:
"I've always been passionate about helping the environment and solving the problems we face."
"I also worked part-time but the scholarship meant there was not as much financial pressure and I could really focus on university and study."
Curtis Hayne
- Bachelor of Environmental Science at the University of Newcastle, graduated 2022.
- Working in remote sensing and landscape science with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW).
Quotes attributable to Curtis Hayne:
"Originally from Ukraine, I was particularly amazed by the diversity of Australian birdlife. I connected with some community-minded environmentalists and headed out into the field with them regularly."
"The scholarship was great coming from a public school in a regional area. I see it as a recognition of my volunteer work and passion for the environment. I worked part time while studying but the scholarship relieved financial pressure, allowing me to stay focused."
"It had a life-changing impact and gave me a chance to reach my full potential."
Chantel Goodchild
- Currently studying Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management, scholarship 2023
- Hopes to become a conservation biologist and work to support the conservation of local environments on the Central Coast and Newcastle.
Quotes attributable to Chantel Goodchild:
"It is unbelievable that I was chosen for this scholarship, and I can't begin to fully express my appreciation."
"This scholarship will be life-changing for me and gives me the very best chance of success in becoming an environmental scientist, working in conservation."
