QCoal Foundation

Our Stories

Celebrating 10 Years of Impact: The Ripple Effect of the QCoal Foundation Scholarship

Education has the power to transform not just individual lives, but entire communities. This year, we proudly celebrate 10 years of the QCoal Foundation Scholarship at James Cook University (JCU), a program designed to support students from regional and remote Queensland to pursue their tertiary goals and later return to contribute meaningfully to their communities.

Since its launch in partnership with JCU, the scholarship has broken down financial barriers for regional and remote students, creating a ripple effect of opportunity, capacity-building, and long-term regional resilience.

Ten Years of Meaningful Outcomes

• $322,500 in financial support provided.
• 19 individual students supported.
• 14 regional communities impacted by providing young regional talent with support to upskill and pursue higher education.
• 88% of recipients currently live and work in regional Queensland, contributing to local economies and communities.
• 94% of recipients currently live in regional or remote Australia.

Beyond the numbers lies a deeper story – one of personal confidence, academic growth and empowered leadership.

As scholarship alumni move into professional roles, they are becoming the role models and leaders their communities need. Many share their experiences with young regional Queenslanders, participate in regional outreach for education access, and challenge outdated perceptions about regional Queensland. They are proving that success does not have to mean leaving your community behind.

Strengthening the Regional Workforce hidden

In 2023, Jobs and Skills Australia identified 36% of assessed occupations as being in national shortage, with regional and remote areas facing particular recruitment and retention challenges^[1]. This is of particular interest in Queensland where approximately three quarters of the population live outside of the capital city^[2] compared to around 28 percent nationally^[3]. By supporting and equipping students who are passionate about regional and remote communities, the QCoal Foundation Scholarship is helping build a pipeline of talent committed to strengthening local economies and services. Our data indicates that recipients are entering fields currently experiencing significant skills shortages including, science, health and engineering.

We are proud of how the QCoal Foundation Scholarship is not only supporting individual aspirations but also helping to fill critical gaps in regional workforces across Queensland and Australia.

Investing in People, Purpose and Potential

Perhaps the most compelling insight is the deeply personal impact the scholarship has. Many describe the experience as life-changing, not simply because of the financial support, but because of what it represented: belief in their potential.

“I just want to say thank you. I mean, it’s amazing! Had I not had that support, I wouldn’t be where I am, so I’m immensely grateful.” – Mistrel Fetzer Boeheim, 2018 Scholarship Recipient

“I applied for the scholarship, and I was very lucky to get the bursary and that demonstrated to myself that I’ve got something to contribute, and I’d better make the most of that.” – Rhys Malcolm, 2018 Bursary Recipient

“Receiving the bursary made me feel like my goals are valid and my dedication is appreciated.” – Billie Cumming, 2024 Bursary Recipient

“[The Scholarship] reminded me that there are people out there who believe in students from regional backgrounds and are willing to invest in us to succeed and that’s really helped me stay committed and focused on finishing my degree.” – Jamie Ahearn, 2023 Scholarship Recipient

Looking Ahead

As we mark this milestone, we remain deeply committed to strengthening the scholarship’s impact into the future. We see opportunities to expand career support, deepen alumni engagement, and broaden our reach to ensure more students from remote and underrepresented backgrounds are aware of this life-changing opportunity.

“Looking into the future, we’re excited to build on the success of the last ten years of the QCoal Foundation Scholarship, and to continue investing in a future generation of leaders for regional Queensland.” – Sylvia Bhatia, CEO, QCoal Foundation

Our partnership with JCU remains essential to the success of the program and demonstrates the profound impact that’s possible when two organisations share a common commitment and goal. JCU’s deep connection to providing high-quality education and regional workforce development ensures our shared vision is grounded in evidence, aligned with need, and always focused on practical outcomes.

This milestone belongs to all who join us in believing in the transformative power of education. To those who walked alongside us in this journey, the ripple effect of your contribution is reaching classrooms, careers, and communities across the state. Here’s to our continued commitment to building resilience across regional and remote Queensland and seeing a brighter future for all!