Building resilient regional and remote Queensland communities.
2019 QCoal Foundation Scholarship Recipient, Bill Tapp
Bill’s Story: Engineering a Future in Regional Queensland
For more than a decade, the QCoal Foundation has supported students from regional and remote Queensland to access higher education through the QCoal Foundation Scholarship. One of those recipients is Bill Tapp, whose story highlights how scholarship support can lead not only to personal success, but to meaningful community contribution.
Meet Bill Tapp!
- 2019 QCoal Foundation Scholarship Recipient
- Bachelor of Engineering, James Cook University (Townsville)
- Home Community: Bowen
A graduate of Bowen State High School, Bill went on to study engineering at JCU with the help of the QCoal Foundation Scholarship. Now Bill works with Wilmar Sugar and Renewables in Ayr and is thrilled to be back in a small-town community where he embraces both the lifestyle and the opportunity to give back.
“I look to how the QCoal Foundation supported me, and it’s awesome! It makes me want to give back to the community because I know how much that meant to me going through university.”
As a member of the Burdekin Offroaders Club, Bill actively participates in local events like the Don River Dash, an off-road racing event that unites people from across the region. His enthusiasm for community involvement highlights his appreciation for the unique opportunities and lifestyle available in regional areas. He also loves to give back by supporting local businesses to help drive regional sustainability and cultivate a sense of community.
When we first met Bill back in 2019, we were struck by his down-to-earth nature and were encouraged by his strong belief in the opportunities in regional communities. We’re pleased to say that almost seven years on, Bill is now living out his belief that regional communities are rich with potential.
“I think people feel that in remote and rural communities there can be a lack of opportunity, but I don’t think that’s the case. I think there’s almost more opportunity!”
Bill explained that due to the high demand for professionals in regional Queensland, individuals are often presented with greater opportunities for growth and to step into leadership. His perspective highlights the resilience and adaptability that students from regional areas cultivate, equipping them to navigate a wide range of challenges with confidence.
Bill’s strong commitment to his community and belief in small-town opportunities make him an inspiring example of how targeted support empowers students to thrive and contribute meaningfully to regional communities.
