Students at the Tablelands and Cassowary Coast University Centres will receive new scholarship support through a partnership with engineering firm Civil Geotechnical Consultants (CGC).
Vocational Partnership Group (VPG), which operates the Tablelands & Cassowary Coast University Centres, has partnered with CGC to provide $20,000 in scholarships and additional sponsorship.
The partnership builds on existing support from Tablelands Regional Council and Cassowary Coast Regional Council, with industry collaboration helping meet community funding requirements that support the long-term sustainability of regional education hubs.
CGC’s investment represents the company’s first major education partnership in the region.
“We see great potential in Far North Queensland communities and want to contribute to their future,” said Ian Thompson, CGC Director. “Supporting regional education allows us to give back to areas where we work while helping develop local talent that strengthens these communities.”
Maryanne Tranter, VPG CEO, said industry partnerships with TCUC show growing recognition of the value of regional education.
“Regional students bring incredible dedication – we have students juggling multiple jobs, others supporting families while studying,” Ms Tranter said. “Industry partners like CGC are recognising this commitment and stepping up to support it. Having direct financial support available to our students can take the pressure off and allow them to focus more on their studies.”
“When companies partner with us in this way, it creates opportunities for students while demonstrating that regional education is valued and supported by local business,” she said. “We’re very grateful for CGC’s belief and support in the work we are doing across the Tablelands and Cassowary Coast.”
The CGC Scholarships Program will award four $5,000 scholarships to TCUC students who demonstrate commitment to their studies while managing various life circumstances.
The scholarships target students who may face additional challenges in accessing higher education, including:
- First in family to attend university
- Students managing work, family, or health commitments alongside study
- Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students
- Students demonstrating community leadership
- Students entering university through non-traditional pathways
Two scholarships will be awarded in the first round – one to a student at Tablelands University Centre (Atherton) and one to a student at Cassowary Coast University Centre (Innisfail). Two additional scholarships will be awarded in a second round later in 2026.
Scholarships are open to students registered with TCUC, living in the Tablelands, Cassowary Coast, or Mareeba areas, and enrolled in undergraduate or postgraduate degrees in 2026.
First round applications close: Midnight, Sunday 22 February 2026 Apply at: www.tuc.edu.au/CGC or www.ccuc.edu.au/CGC
Details for the second round will be announced later this year.
Pictured: VPG CEO Maryanne Tranter with Rhys Pope, Far North CGC Associate Engineer and Team Lead, celebrating a new partnership investing in regional students across the Tablelands and Cassowary Coast.