Media release

Kaniva student builds his future

Thursday 17 September 2009

He may have worked as a builder’s labourer and taken a gap year to study construction, but now La Trobe Civil Engineering student Fergus Meyer is firmly entrenched in his new role as a full time student and recipient of a 2009 scholarship courtesy of La Trobe and Wimmera Mallee Water.
Originally from Kaniva in western Victoria, Fergus says it has been hard to move the three-and-a-half hours to Bendigo to study but he believes the sacrifice is well worth it. Fergus is gearing up for another move following a job offer from Wimmera Mallee Water in Horsham once he completes his degree.
The scholarship, one of 13 offered as part of La Trobe civil engineering partnership with regional businesses, provides Fergus with financial assistance for the duration of his degree.
The $5000 Fergus receives for each year of study will take pressure off the need to take paid work to support his studies.
The scholarship also means that Wimmera Mallee Water will employ Fergus during university holidays, ensuring invaluable paid industry experience, a position envied by many other students.
Civil engineering scholarships are awarded to students at La Trobe’s Bendigo campus with the aim of keeping students in regional locations after they qualify.
La Trobe’s head of civil engineering, Professor Joe Petrolito says this benefits both the student and local communities.
‘Many students end up working regionally so the scholarships are really meeting a great need for local communities and businesses.’
Applications for La Trobe’s 2010 civil engineering scholarships are open. More information is available at http://www.latrobe.edu.au/ceps/scholarships/index.html

Media Inquiries:
Zerin Knight, La Trobe University, Media Liaison, Bendigo Campus
Phone 03 5444 7375
Mobile 0428 463 161
Email z.knight@latrobe.edu.au