Bamaga Enterprises supports a new round of ambitious students

Bamaga Enterprises Ltd (BEL) has provided five TAFE scholarships for local students beginning a new step in their career journeys in 2022, assisting them with course fees and study supplies. 

BEL Chairperson Robert Poipoi says through BEL’s Socio Support Policy, the educational scholarships are some of the most critical and rewarding ways for BEL to help relieve financial hardship in the community. 

“These students are an inspiration for the community and have shown a passion for furthering their skills with the plan to bring new knowledge back with them to Bamaga,” he says.  

Community support services

Sajida Nona is enrolled to undertake a Certificate IV in Community Services at TAFE Queensland Cairns Campus. BEL has provided $1000 towards the course fee and purchase of a new laptop. 

Currently employed in the industry with local NPA Family and Community Services (NPAFCS), Ms Nona is eager to undertake these studies, which she says will assist in her role as Community Engagement and Stakeholder Coordinator. 

“It’s hard to put into words, but I’m just very grateful for the support from BEL and the work they do, especially for locals.  

“It’s a very big help, especially as I am the only one in my family that’s working right now, so I will be able to complete the course online. As a mother with two kids aged under five at home, BEL has made the opportunity for me to study much easier,” she says. 

Another NPAFCS employee Joyce Soki will be furthering her professional and personal development through a Diploma in Community Services – Online Course at Kirana College.  

Ms Soki is currently a Support Worker and says receiving the $1500 scholarship from BEL will go a long way. 

“I’m passionate about helping people, including small, daily things like help to get a job or assisting people with their finances. But even the little things count for a lot and the appreciation I get makes me want to help people out even more,” she says. 

Ms Soki says her 12-month online diploma will assist her in pursuing a management or leadership role where she can train and mentor staff. 

“I want to thank BEL from the bottom of my heart for this sponsorship. It will go a long way in helping me help my community.” 

Bamaga resident Romina Nona has enrolled in the Undergraduate Certificate in Community Support (Distance Education) at University of Tasmania. 

BEL has provided Ms Nona a $1500 scholarship to cover her course fees and educational supplies. She says despite holding multiple managerial and leadership positions, she felt her lack of tertiary qualification was the “missing link”. 

After completing the 18-month certificate course, Romina says she plans to complete a Diploma in Counselling.  

“I’m so grateful for BEL’s support. I want to give back to my community with the help they have given me,” Ms Newman says. 

“I hope to support elders and assist in the prevention of further medical issues. The biggest issue we have in the community is chronic illness. 

“Through counselling I’d like to help my community’s long-term future in reducing alcohol and drug abuse, domestic violence and making my community a safer place.” 

Performing arts 

Two aspiring performers are included in the batch of TAFE scholarships.  

Paul Williams says he feels proud to have received his scholarship to study Certificate IV in Performing Arts at Aboriginal Centre for the Performing Arts (ACPA), taking him a step closer to achieving his lifelong goal of working in the film industry.  

Mr Williams’ $1500 scholarship from BEL will assist with accommodation costs and fees for the 12-month course in Brisbane.  

“Growing up, I was always dancing and enjoyed making people laugh,” he recalls.  

“My dream job is to work in the movies as an actor or a film producer in Indigenous movies.”  

Mr Williams says while he feels most comfortable in front of the camera, he enjoys performing for live audiences too. He is looking forward to building on his performing skills focusing on music, dance and drama to become a well-rounded artist.  

“I’m both excited and nervous for the year ahead. I’ll be missing home a bit, too, but I know I’ve got to keep my head up and stay committed,” he says.  

Shekinah Newman says she’s excited to start the same course at ACPA with her cousin Paul Williams. The $1500 of scholarship funds will help with Ms Newman’s tuition, accommodation and educational supplies.  

“Dancing means a lot to me. It’s a part of our culture. My whole family dances, but I picked up my passion from watching my elder brother and cousins. I loved watching them dance and wanted to be like them.   

“Coming from a remote community means the scholarship will support me in Brisbane to build my skills.”  

The full-time TAFE course will provide Ms Newman with opportunities to lead into a Diploma or Bachelor’s degree. Ms Newman hopes to further her dance training after the 12-month course and pursue a career path in the performing arts.  

“I plan to one day return to the Northern Peninsula Area to teach young people in the community. My dream is to open a dance school in Bamaga in memory of my cousin who passed away a few years ago. 

“She loved to dance and had a big impact on the community. She taught me and a few people in our area and I want to continue her legacy,” Ms Newman says.