We’re proud to announce the recipients of ETC’s 2025 First Nations Scholarship Program, reaffirming our commitment to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to build skills, pursue further education and create meaningful employment pathways.
Now in its fourth year, the program is a key action in ETC’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). It reflects our long-term commitment to culturally safe, wrap-around support beyond initial employment services.
ETC proudly awarded four $2,000 scholarships to former ETC First Nations customers. Each scholarship provides financial assistance for accredited training, licences, tools and professional development. This is supported by tailored, ongoing guidance from ETC’s Indigenous Services Team.
The 2026 recipients represent a wide range of career goals – from community services and education to corporate administration and the trades. Each brings strong motivation, resilience and a clear desire to contribute to their communities. Well done to all four recipients!
Melanie is a proud Kamilaroi woman from La Perouse, NSW, working full-time in an administrative role at Essential Energy. Her work involves correspondence management, reporting, meeting coordination and supporting operations across multiple teams.
Melanie’s cultural identity is central to both her personal and professional life, and she is passionate about supporting Indigenous employment and creating opportunities for mob to thrive in the workplace.
With support from ETC, Melanie secured her current role and is now focused on continuing her professional growth. Her scholarship is supporting further training in business administration, Microsoft Office programs and project management, helping her build new skills and work toward future leadership opportunities.
Gary is a proud Biripi man from Taree with a deep connection to community and culture. He is passionate about supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people affected by drug and alcohol challenges and is committed to creating culturally safe spaces for healing.
Gary is about to commence a Diploma of Community Services, formalising his work in community support as he works toward establishing a drug and alcohol support service for vulnerable and underserved communities. His journey reflects a transition from informal community care to structured, trauma-informed and culturally appropriate service delivery.
The ETC First Nations Scholarship has enabled Gary to focus fully on his studies and professional development, supporting his goals to gain formal qualifications, build partnerships and continue delivering meaningful, community-led support.
Alice is a proud First Nations woman with family ties to the Longreach region. She is currently employed part-time as an OSH cook at her local state school and brings more than 20 years of experience working as a chef.
Her story reflects resilience, cultural reconnection and a strong commitment to empowering others. As a single parent, Alice returned to study and went on to complete an Advanced Diploma in Counselling and a Diploma in Youth and Community Work, building a career centred on community support.
Alice’s long-term goal is to become a trainer and assessor, developing programs that teach people from disadvantaged backgrounds how to prepare healthy meals with limited resources, while building confidence and pathways into employment.
Through ETC’s First Nations Scholarship, Alice is completing a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, supporting her to formalise her vision and expand her impact within the community.
Rhys is a proud Kamilaroi young man completing a Certificate III traineeship in Supply Chain Operations at Kingy’s Diesel Industries. Working full-time, Rhys supports daily operations while gaining hands-on experience within the diesel mechanics industry.
Rhys was referred to ETC through the Transition to Work program and has received extensive support, including resume development, workwear, safety equipment, site visits and ongoing mentoring. He continues to work toward key milestones that support independence and long-term employment.
Rhys’ career goal is to transition into a diesel mechanic apprenticeship. His First Nations Scholarship is assisting with practical barriers such as transport and licences, helping him remain focused on his traineeship and future trade pathway.
ETC’s First Nations Scholarship Program is a practical action within our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). It reflects our long-standing commitment to reconciliation and our focus on creating real, meaningful outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Through our RAP, ETC is working to:
These scholarships aim to help remove financial barriers and support ongoing study and professional development. Through this investment, ETC is putting our RAP commitments into action and creating real opportunities for First Nations peoples.
ETC CEO Damon Munt said this year’s scholarship recipients demonstrate the value of long-term, culturally responsive support.
“Each of these recipients demonstrates resilience, drive and a strong commitment to their community,” Mr Munt said.
“We’re proud to support their goals and walk alongside them as they continue building meaningful and impactful careers.”
The ETC First Nations Scholarship Program is one of the many ways we support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to gain skills, secure employment and create positive futures for themselves, their families and their communities.
Learn more about how ETC supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples >
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