Stanwell is backing the ambitions of South Burnett students, with two scholarships now open to help local young people take the next step in their careers.  

The Australian First Nations Scholarship and Russell Vorpagel Engineering Scholarship will both provide financial assistance alongside opportunities for professional development and industry experience through Stanwell's vacation work program.  

Australian First Nations Scholarship  

The Australian First Nations Scholarship supports First Nations people connected to the South Burnett who are studying, or planning to study, full-time at university in an area relevant to the energy sector.  

Eligible fields of study could include Engineering, Health and Safety, Environment, Human Resources, Finance, Science, Business, Procurement, Communication and Marketing and Legal Studies. 

The scholarship, now in its third year, was co-designed with Wakka Wakka Elders and community, including the Wakka Wakka Native Title Aboriginal Corporation Board, Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council, Cherbourg Elders Advisory Group and the education community. The scholarship continues to be delivered in partnership, supporting meaningful education and career pathways for Australian First Nations people connected to the South Burnett. 

Russell Vorpargel Engineering Scholarship 

The Russell Vorpagel Engineering Scholarship supports current and aspiring engineering students by combining financial assistance with hands-on industry experience at the Tarong power stations. 

Recipients will gain exposure to the energy industry and practical engineering environments, helping them apply what they learn at university and build experience for a future career in engineering.  

Derick Boonzaaier, Acting General Manager, Southern Generation, said the scholarships were an important investment in local students and the skills needed across the energy industry.  

“Both of these scholarships are giving students practical opportunities to build their skills, gain valuable experience and take the next step towards a career in the energy industry,” Mr Boonzaaier said. 

“Previous scholarship recipients have excelled in our vacation work programs, showing the depth of talent we have right here in the South Burnett. We want to continue giving students from the South Burnett the opportunity to complement their studies with real-world experience. 

“By investing in students today, we’re helping build the skills and capability our industry and region will need into the future.” 

The scholarships form part of Stanwell’s ongoing investment in creating long-term education and employment pathways in the South Burnett. 

Applications for both scholarships close at 11.55pm on 22 November 2026. 

For more information, visit https://www.stanwell.com/working-at-stanwell.