Hannah Davies from Temora is off to Charles Sturt University as one of four students to be awarded a scholarship worth up to $20,000 from the Australian Rail Track Corporation Inland Rail Skills Academy.
Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development and Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack said the Inland Rail scholarship program was helping regional students further their education and kick-start their careers to the benefit of regional Australia.
"Our commitment to Inland Rail has always been about far more than building a rail line. It's an investment in the freight capacity of our nation that will unlock the productivity of our regions - connecting regional towns to new markets and new opportunities," Mr McCormack said.
"Inland Rail's construction is already paying dividends in towns such as Parkes, where 676 local people have worked on the project and businesses have benefited from the $94 million spent with local goods and service providers supporting construction.
"These scholarships are an investment in the next generation of engineers, scientists and planning professionals who will build on the investments we make today and further grow the region.
"Inland Rail will require scientific solutions at every step, not just during construction but once it's operational. This scholarship program is helping to develop the scientific minds of the future - young Australians who will directly contribute to the prosperity of their regions.
"Inland Rail will support 16,000 jobs during construction yet the benefits go well beyond that.
"Each and every person employed or trained through Inland Rail will gain skills and expertise they can take back to their communities."
"The Inland Rail Scholarships Program provides real world education opportunities for regional students considering an undergraduate degree at University of Southern Queensland, Charles Sturt University and La Trobe University."
Students commencing study in 2020 and 2021 can apply for 20 Inland Rail Scholarships, each valued at up to $20,000 or $5,000 for every year of study.
Hannah joins other students Josh Irvine from Narromine, Jessie Rix from Bogan Gate and Megan Seis from Dunedoo, who have all received scholarships to Charles Sturt University thanks to the Inland Rail Scholarship Program.
