New academic scholarship partnership to support remote communities

Community Enterprise Queensland (CEQ) and CQ University have today deepened their shared commitment to opportunity, equity, and belonging by signing a new academic partnership agreement.

The $100,000 investment supports students from the Torres Strait, Northern Peninsula Area (NPA), and other remote First Nations communities to pursue further study and strengthen their pathways home.

At the heart of this partnership is a shared purpose: to help students grow strong futures while remaining connected to culture, Country, and kin.

This partnership recognises the courage and determination of students who take on higher education while managing family responsibilities, cultural obligations, and the rising costs of living.

$10,000 grant

CEQ has acknowledged these realities and has affirmed that no student should feel not supported in their journey. These scholarships signal a belief in students’ potential and an understanding of the pride, hope, and responsibility they carry on behalf of their people and communities.

The CQ Uni Cares Community Enterprise Queensland Scholarships will support up to 10 students in 2026, each receiving $10,000 to help with study and living costs across fields such as health and wellbeing, business, law and governance, STEM and the built environment, land management and development.

(l-r): Kym Copetti (EA to Board Chair & CEO, CEQ), Rebecca Daley (People & Workplace Culture Manager, CEQ), Joann Schmider (Chairperson, CEQ), Professor Yvonne Cadet-James (Jawun Research Centre, CQ University), Professor Adrian Miller (Vice-President Indigenous Engagement, CQ University), Professor Janya McCalman (Jawun Research Centre, CQ University), Fred Gela (Chief Operating Officer, CEQ), Melinda Hammond (Nutrition & Health Manager, CEQ).

The initiative forms part of CEQ’s Good Pasin (Give-back) program, which reinvests in community-led outcomes aligned to the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and integrated sustainable development.

Together, CEQ and CQ University are leading by example – removing barriers, building capability, and enabling the next generation of leaders.

CEQ Chairperson Joann Schmider, who signed the agreement on behalf of the not-for-profit remote store operator, highlighted the partnership’s importance for strengthening pathways for young people.

“Through these scholarships, CEQ is helping address barriers and supporting students to gain qualifications that will benefit their futures and, ultimately, contribute back to their people and communities, she said.

“We’re proud to partner with CQ University on an initiative that aligns strongly with CEQ’s values and future scape. The partnership places community relationships at its centre, requiring applicants to submit a community reference and emphasising strong connection to Torres Strait, NPA, and CEQ-serviced communities.

Up to 10 scholarships will be awarded in 2026. Eligible students include those residing in, or with ongoing ties to, CEQ-serviced communities.

The program supports students enrolled in a broad range of higher education and VET courses, and scholarship holders must demonstrate satisfactory academic progress throughout the year.

New opportunities

CEQ and CQ University will jointly promote the scholarships ahead of the January 2026 application period. Applications open next month through CQ University, with recipients to be selected by CEQ in February 2026.

By investing in people, CEQ and CQ University are investing in the long-term capability, leadership, and economic empowerment of remote First Nations communities.

The expected impact is generational: strengthened local expertise, increased professional qualifications, and graduates who return home as business leaders, engineers, teachers, health workers, and advocates.

This partnership opens new opportunities for individuals, groups, and communities, and marks a shared commitment to a brighter, more self-determined future.

Pathways for students

CQ University Vice-President Indigenous Engagement Professor Adrian Miller said the scholarships were an investment not only in individual students, but in the long-term capability and prosperity of remote First Nations communities.

“These scholarships create pathways for students to grow their knowledge while staying connected to their culture, families and homelands,” Prof. Miller said.

“When students are supported to gain qualifications in tertiary education, their success creates a ripple effect for generations.

“CQ University is honoured to work with CEQ on a program grounded in respect, equity and community-led futures.”

Sense of belonging

CQ University Deputy Director Philanthropy and Social Impact Francois Gallais said that CQ University was proud to partner with CEQ to support the educational aspirations of FNQ students.

“Scholarships don’t just fund education – they fuel confidence, opportunity and a sense of belonging for students who might otherwise hesitate to take that leap,” he said.

CEQ is a not-for-profit organisation providing goods and essential services to the Torres Strait, Cape York Peninsula, Doomadgee, and Palm Island through its 31 stores.

CEQ manages the Islanders Board of Industry and Service (IBIS) and Aboriginal Business, Industry and Service (ABIS) stores, as well as other stores, including Col Jones, Community Home and Hardware, Mona’s Bazaar, and Mitre 10 on Waibene (Thursday Island).