Townsville Port Authority will award $5,000 to a James Cook University student tomorrow, in the first year of its annual scholarship program.

The scholarship will be awarded to Ms. Tracey Lines a final year Bachelor of Economics student from Townsville. She is a single mother of two children and a member of James Cook University’s International Honour Society.

Commenting on being awarded the scholarship Tracey said: “This scholarship means a lot to me and my family. The situation of being a single parent of two young children on a pension while endeavouring to complete a Bachelor degree and work for both additional income and experience is one which is a constant juggle, in terms of both time and finances. I’d like to thank Townsville Port Authority for its generous contribution.”

Recipients of the Scholarship may also be offered the opportunity to undertake a paid internship with Townsville Port Authority at the end of the year of study in which they receive the scholarship.

Mr. Ron McLean, Townsville Port Authority Chairman, said: “Townsville Port Authority has a strong interest in furthering the development of the region through the education and training of our future industry leaders. This scholarship reflects Townsville Port Authority’s strong belief that no student should be denied the opportunity to study and complete a degree because of social or financial circumstances,” he said.  

Eligible students must be from the Mt Isa-Townsville Economic Zone (MITEZ) – which includes the Local Government Areas of Mount Isa City, Cloncurry Shire, McKinlay Shire, Richmond Shire, Flinders Shire, Dalrymple Shire, Charters Towers City, Thuringowa City and Townsville City.