One of the world’s largest gold producers is helping Murdoch University’s Indigenous students discover pathways to employment through higher education.
Newmont Boddington Gold (NBG) launched the Newmont Kalyagool Kadadjiny Scholarships back in 2015, providing $120,000 in financial support to Indigenous students enrolled in full-time study at Murdoch University, who aspire to work in the mining industry.
2016 NBG Scholar, Bobette Herold said the Newmont Kalyagool Kadadjiny Scholarship unlocked new learning and growth opportunities for her, which includes participating in the “Engineers without Boarders” program in Cambodia this July.
“Being able to continue studying full time in my desired degree, with the additional support and exposure to sustainability and renewable awareness, is a priceless gift,” said Bobette.
In total, five Indigenous Murdoch students have used the $24,000 in valuable NBG scholarship funds to put towards course fees and study materials.
Craig Turley, Senior Social Responsibility Advisor at NBG, said Kalyagool Kadadjiny means ‘always thinking, listening and learning’ in the Noongar language, which not only reflects the intent of the scholarships in leading to future employment, but also Newmont’s approach to Aboriginal diversity and inclusion.
“Newmont is committed to supporting Gnaala Karla Booja, and more broadly Noongar Indigenous students who are interested in pursuing careers in the mining industry,” Mr Turley said.
“Our partnership with Murdoch University provides the ideal platform to achieve that.
“We continue to work on the development of an articulated pathway from the scholarships program through to our Vacation Work and Graduate Programs, in order to support Newmont’s specific Indigenous diversity and inclusion commitments. This also creates employment opportunities for scholars in those identified priority professions within Newmont Australia.”
Clara Millet, from the Office of Advancement at Murdoch University, said the commitment and support offered by NBG through the scholarships was invaluable to students.
“Murdoch University values the contribution and commitment of NBG to provide five scholarships to our students. This pledge has made a significant contribution to not only the mining industry, but to the higher education sector in Western Australia,” Mrs Millet said.
The Newmont Kalyagool Kadadjiny Scholarships aligns with Universities Australia’s strategy, which intends to grow the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students enrolled in university by 50 per cent above the growth rate of non-Indigenous students.
With more than 90 years’ of history in the mining industry, Newmont is one of the world's leading gold producers and an industry leader in safety and sustainability.
To find out more, or to apply for the NBG scholarship, click here.
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