BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION STUDENT WINS THE FIRST DEFENCE INDIGENOUS SCIENCE SCHOLARSHIP

Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, the Hon. Warren Snowdon MP, presented Macquarie University student, Kurtis Lindsay with the first Defence Science Indigenous Scholarship in Canberra today. 

Defence is funding three scholarships worth more than $300,000 over five years for Indigenous students to undertake full-time tertiary studies in science.  

“I congratulate Kurtis Lindsay on being awarded the first of these Indigenous scholarships,” Mr Snowdon said.

Kurtis Lindsay, from the Wiradjui community of Central West NSW, has commenced his Bachelor of Science studies in Biodiversity and Conservation at Macquarie University.

Kurtis has scored high distinctions in the Australian and NSW Geography Competitions on five separate occasions.  Awarded a Certificate for Outstanding Achievement from Killara High School in 2003, he went on to receive excellent reports from work experience placements with Taronga Zoo and Macquarie University Fauna Park.

The Defence Science Indigenous Scholarship covers the student’s university fees, paid 12 week annual work experience, and an offer of employment with the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) on completion of the studies.

“Kurtis is clearly a passionate and dedicated environmental scientist," Mr Snowdon said.

“He is a very deserving recipient of the Defence Science Indigenous Scholarship and I have no doubt he will derive great benefit from working alongside DSTO’s scientists in such areas as research into the effect of naval sonar on marine animals, or by providing Defence with advice on the land management of our estates.”

Speaking at the presentation, Mr Lindsay said the scholarship was a great opportunity.

“I believe my Indigenous background is one of the key factors which strengthened my passion and respect for the land and its biological components, and I thank Defence for supporting my studies.”

Defence works closely with Macquarie University to identify suitable Indigenous students with a keen interest in pursuing a science career. The scholarship is administered by the Department of Defence via its Directorate of Indigenous Affairs.

Media contacts:

Kate Sieper (Warren Snowdon):                    02 6277 7620 or 0488 484 689

Justine O’Brien (DSTO):                                02 6128 6384 or 0429 615 015

Defence Media Liaison:                                  02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664