2024 Outback Scholarships with CDU Recipients Announced

Connellan Airways Trust and Charles Darwin University (CDU) proudly congratulate Kelly Cooper and Max Fleming as the 2024 recipients of the Connellan Airways Trust Outback Scholarship.

These $5000 scholarships, now in their fourth year, aim to support geographically remote students in pursuing Degree Education or Vocational Education Training (VET) goals.


Chair of Connellan Airways Trust, Mrs Liz Bird emphasised the significance of these scholarships in addressing the challenges faced by outback students. "Our scholarships alleviate barriers to education and training for remote students.”


"By supporting these individuals, we are addressing skills shortages in the Territory. Enabling people to remain in their communities and contribute to local skills needed is vital for sustainability of remote locations." Said Mrs Bird.


CDU Vice-Chancellor Professor Scott Bowman said the scholarship recognises the additional pressures regional and remote students face when it comes to further education.


“The Outback Scholarship is important as it recognises and tries to remove the additional barriers regional and remote students face while studying,” Professor Bowman said.

“CDU is committed to enhancing and expanding education and training opportunities in regional and remote areas across the Northern Territory and are grateful to Connellan Airways Trust who continue to support our students.”


Among this year's recipients is Kelly Cooper, a third year Bachelor of Midwifery student residing in Nhulunbuy, north-east Arnhem Land. Kelly highlighted the financial strains of traveling for placements and simulations, expressing gratitude for the scholarship's assistance.

Max Fleming a local Central Australian pursuing a Master of Occupational Therapy, echoed similar sentiments. He emphasised the support the scholarship provides in managing placement-related expenses and balancing study with work commitments.


“This scholarship will financially support me to attend intensives and continue working whilst studying, easing the emotional stress of balancing work and study commitments, and providing time for study.” said Max.


The Outback Scholarship will reopen for applications on the CDU Scholarships website in January 2025. For further information about the Connellan Airways Trust and its initiatives in enabling access and opportunity for Outback Australia, please visit www.connellanairwaystrust.org.au.

 

For Media enquiries contact:

Connellan Airways Trust:        Jessica Hacket, Executive Officer: 0439 049 646               

Charles Darwin University:     Benicia Campbell-Acevedo, Publicity Officer (Regions): 0420 346 299   

2024 Outback Scholarships with CDU
2024 Outback Scholarships with CDU

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By Declan Kelly July 15, 2025
From the EO Hi everyone, I'm Declan Kelly, the new EO of Connellan Airways Trust. I’ve just wrapped up my first few weeks as Executive Officer at the Trust, and it’s already been a genuinely inspiring start. Earlier this month, I travelled to Alice Springs (Mparntwe) and had the chance to connect directly with some of the people and communities the Trust supports. A highlight was attending the Govies’ Muster and meeting the dedicated teachers, families and students from the Alice Springs School of the Air and the ICPA. Hearing about the creativity and resilience it takes to deliver education across vast distances really brought home why the Trust’s work matters. At the Alice Springs Show, I enjoyed meeting local schools and community groups, many of whom already know Connellan and have received support in the past to bring important projects to life. It was great to see how the Trust’s legacy is woven into the local community in such practical and lasting ways. I also met with the team from Red Dust and learned more about their community driven health and wellbeing programs. And of course, I couldn’t miss experiencing my first Territory Day, a pretty spectacular way to be welcomed, with fireworks lighting up the desert night. Another highlight was catching up with NT Chief Minister, Lia Finocchiaro, to talk about the opportunities and challenges facing remote Australians, and where the Trust can help create even greater impact. All in all, it’s been a warm, generous welcome into the Connellan Airways Trust community, and I’m excited to keep building on the Trust’s proud history. Next up, my first grant round. If you’re working on a project, supporting your local community or just want to chat about what we do, please get in touch via info@connellanairwaystrust.org.au . Looking forward to what’s ahead! Declan General Grants Opening Soon Our next round of General Grants opens 1 August and closes 15 August. These grants support individuals and small community organisations in remote, very remote and select outer regional areas to fund projects, education, travel, technology or local initiatives that reduce isolation and create opportunities. Check out the guidelines and see if you're eligible: connellanairwaystrust.org.au/general-grants Questions? Get in touch at info@connellanairwaystrust.org.au . We look forward to seeing your ideas!
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