Two Far North Queensland university students have each been awarded $5,000 in the first round of an industry-funded scholarship program backed by engineering firm Civil Geotechnical Consultants.
Tablelands & Cassowary Coast University Centres (TCUC), operated by Vocational Partnerships Group (VPG), has announced the winners of the first round of its CGC Scholarships Program, awarding two $5,000 scholarships to students who demonstrate exceptional commitment to their studies while balancing work, family and other life commitments.
The program is funded by engineering firm Civil Geotechnical Consultants (CGC) and welcomed applications from eligible students across all fields of study.
Aysha Coker, a student at Tablelands University Centre (TUC) in Atherton, and Jenna Snow, a student at Cassowary Coast University Centre (CCUC) in Innisfail, have been named the first scholarship recipients.
Investing in community, not just industry
The scholarship program was intentionally opened to students across all fields of study, reflecting CGC’s broader commitment to strengthening regional communities.
CGC Director Ian Thompson said the winners reflect the spirit of the program.
“CGC is committed to the communities where we live and work, because we believe strong communities are built from within. Aysha and Jenna are doing remarkable things under challenging circumstances, and they represent the backbone of regional Far North Queensland. We couldn’t be prouder to support them.”
CGC’s investment represents the company’s first major education partnership in the region, contributing $20,000 in scholarships across two rounds, alongside additional sponsorship.
VPG CEO Maryanne Tranter welcomed the announcement.
“The calibre of applications we received in round one was outstanding. These students are already making meaningful contributions to their families and communities through their work, study and leadership. Their commitment to learning while balancing many responsibilities speaks to the talent, determination and aspiration that exists across our region. CGC’s willingness to back students across all disciplines demonstrates a genuine commitment to local potential, and we’re deeply grateful for their support.”
Scholarship Winner: Aysha Coker – Tablelands University Centre
Aysha Coker is a proud Aboriginal woman, single mother and Bachelor of Nursing Science student at James Cook University, studying through the Tablelands University Centre.
Aysha works as a carer in a local aged care facility alongside her full-time studies – experience she brings directly into her nursing training.
Her journey to university reflects determination, resilience and a clear sense of purpose. After taking time away from study to respond to family priorities, she returned with renewed motivation to pursue her goals. As a single parent living in a rural community while balancing shift work and limited childcare options, she continues to demonstrate exceptional commitment to building a brighter future through education.
Aysha hopes to work in rural and regional healthcare after graduating, helping address workforce shortages in communities like her own and serving as a role model for Aboriginal and mature-age students.
“This scholarship will go straight towards my travel costs – my weekly trips to campus and my placement blocks. For a regional student, those expenses add up, and this support means I can focus on my studies and build the nursing career I’ve been working so hard for,” Aysha said.
Scholarship Winner: Jenna Snow – Cassowary Coast University Centre
Jenna Snow is a single mother of two young children studying a Bachelor of Health Science and Master of Occupational Therapy through Charles Darwin University at the Cassowary Coast University Centre in Innisfail.
The first in her family to attend university, Jenna entered her degree through a Tertiary Enabling Program and has continued to pursue her studies with remarkable dedication.
During this time, her family faced a significant challenge when her eldest son was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia. Throughout months of hospital admissions and frequent travel to Brisbane for specialist care, Jenna remained deeply committed to both her son and her studies. She has described her degree as a source of hope and purpose during this period, demonstrating extraordinary resilience, determination and belief in the opportunities that education can create for her family.
Jenna’s goal is to establish a private Occupational Therapy practice on the Cassowary Coast, where access to allied health professionals remains critically limited.
“This scholarship is going to be a huge help. The first thing I’m doing is booking flights to Darwin for my placement. Studying regionally comes with costs that add up fast, and this support means I can focus on what I’m here to do. The Cassowary Coast needs more allied health professionals, and I intend to be one of them,” Jenna said.
Round 2 opens 1 May 2026
The second round of the CGC Scholarships Program will open 1 May 2026, with two further $5,000 scholarships available – one for a student at Tablelands University Centre and one at Cassowary Coast University Centre.
Scholarships are open to students registered with TCUC who live in the Tablelands, Mareeba or Cassowary Coast regions and are enrolled in undergraduate or postgraduate degrees in 2026.
Applications are welcomed from first-in-family students, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, and those who have entered university via non-traditional pathways while balancing study with work, family or other commitments.
Students not yet registered with TCUC are encouraged to register to access free local study space and support and become eligible to apply.
Photo 1 (left): CGC Scholarship Winner from the Tablelands University Centre Aysha Coker with CGC FNQ Regional Manager Rhys Pope (left) & VPG CEO Maryanne Tranter (right). Photo 2 (right): CGC Scholarship Winner from the Cassowary Coast University Centre Jenna Snow with VPG Regional Uni Centre Coordinator Justin Brennan (left) & CGC FNQ Regional Manager Rhys Pope (right).