Media Contact:
Niree Creed
Senior Communications and Media Adviser
02 62833519
Government House
Canberra
MEDIA ADVISORY
13 October 2009
THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL’S INDIGENOUS STUDENT TEACHER
SCHOLARSHIPS
The Governor-General, Ms Quentin Bryce AC, said today that she was
delighted that the Government’s creation of the Governor-General’s
Indigenous Student Teacher Scholarships reflected her commitment to the
education of young indigenous Australians
“These scholarships, awarded annually to support Indigenous university
students in their teacher education studies, recognise the importance of
closing the gap in education outcomes between Indigenous and
non-Indigenous Australians”, Ms Bryce said.
“The Government, particularly the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for
Education, Ms Julia Gillard, has responded to the needs of our indigenous
communities with the decision to provide up to eight Governor-General’s
Teacher Education Scholarships in each state and territory”, she said.
“The Scholarships will extend for the period of up to four years, and I’m
delighted that applications for the first scholarships will be open in November
this year. There will be three rounds of scholarships, for 2010, 2011 and
2012”.
“My first year as Governor-General has taken me to indigenous communities
in Coober Pedy, South Australia, and Papunya and Maningrida in the
Northern Territory”, Ms Bryce said.
“As Governor of Queensland, I also developed strong links with indigenous
communities in that State, and I know that supporting Indigenous participation
in teacher training has the potential to encourage Indigenous students to
complete year 12 and take up a position as a teacher”.
“I look forward to meeting the first recipients of the Governor-General’s
Indigenous Student Teacher Scholarships”.
NOTE TO MEDIA: Further information can be found at
Media Contact:
Niree Creed
Senior Communications and Media Adviser
02 62833519
Government House
Canberra
NEWS 
