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Posted by Max Berry
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9 December, 2025
FIRST Nations students will have a new source of support thanks to a partnership between Port of Brisbane Pty Ltd (PBPL) and The University of Queensland (UQ).
From 2026, PBPL will support up to eight Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, with a focus on environmental management and engineering – specialist fields central to the work of the Port.
PBPL CEO Neil Stephens said the Port of Brisbane Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Scholarship Fund reflects the Port’s ongoing commitment to reconciliation and will create meaningful opportunities to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities.
“Through UQ, we know that financial hardship can be a significant barrier facing many Indigenous students,” Mr Stephens said.
“By establishing this Fund, we’re not only helping to ease that burden – we’re also contributing to the growth of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander scholarships at UQ and supporting the next generation of Indigenous leaders.
“In addition to the scholarship, we’ll also engage with UQ and individual students to explore opportunities to build connections with Port of Brisbane throughout the year.
“The scholarship fund aligns with Vision 2060 – our long-term, shared vision for the Port of Brisbane, developed in collaboration with our customers and stakeholders.
“A key pillar of Vision 2060 is designing a port that serves future generations. This includes investing in initiatives through our Here for the Future Fund that support a positive legacy and these scholarships are one of the first initiatives helping us deliver on this aspiration.”
UQ Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Indigenous Engagement, Professor Bronwyn Fredericks has welcomed the partnership, highlighting its significance for the next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
“Thank you to Port of Brisbane for investing in future Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders. By stepping up to support scholarships, you are empowering talented Indigenous Australians to access and succeed in their studies at UQ. Thank you for setting an example and showing the difference industry partners can make to students, their families and whole communities through the power of education.”
