Community & Business
21 January, 2026
Students supported with scholarships
STUDENTS at the Tablelands University Centre will receive new scholarship support through a partnership with engineering firm Civil Geotechnical Consultants (CGC).
Vocational Partnership Group (VPG), which operates the Tablelands University Centre, has partnered with CGC to provide $20,000 in scholarships and additional sponsorship for students studying through the Atherton centre or the Cassowary Coast University Centre.
The partnership builds on existing support from Tablelands Regional Council, with industry collaboration helping meet community funding requirements that support the long-term sustainability of the regional education hub.
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,” CGC director Ian Thompson said.
“Supporting regional education allows us to give back to areas where we work while helping develop local talent that strengthens these communities.”
VPG chief executive officer Maryanne Tranter said industry partnerships with the university hub showed growing recognition of the value of regional education.
“Regional students bring incredible dedication – we have students juggling multiple jobs, others supporting families while studying,” she 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.
“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, and
Students entering university through non-traditional pathways.
Two scholarships will be awarded in the first round – one to a student at Tablelands University Centre 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 at midnight on 22 February. Apply at: www.tuc.edu.au/CGC
