Bursary winners gain invaluable support and recognition for cultural accomplishments

An aspiring pianist and a talented photographer have each scored a $1000 head-start towards their first year university expenses thanks to the Artspace Mackay Foundation and Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre bursaries.

Daniel Sullivan, recipient of the 2011 Jack Sturgeon Bursary winner, and Jessie Hall, winner of the 2011 Hands On Bursary will both use their bursary money towards tuition fees, textbooks or equipment required as part of their studies. 

Deputy Mayor Darryl Camilleri said with an impressive list of cultural and academic accomplishments, Daniel’s and Jessie’s applications were ones that certainly stood out and impressed the panel of judges.

“The 2011 Jack Sturgeon winner, Daniel, is a young man who exemplifies studentship and cultural achievement,” he said.

A Holy Spirit College Graduate, he has studied and played classical piano for the past 12 years and last year successfully attained an Associate Diploma of Music (Piano) awarded by the Australian Music Examination Board.

“He has been involved in performances throughout the Mackay region and has performed at the Mackay Eisteddfod, the Jack Sturgeon Lunchbox Concerts and the CQU’s ‘Jammin’ program for the past four years,” Cr Camilleri said.

“Daniel already possesses an impressive list of achievements which I’m positive will continue to grow and astound over the next few years while he completes his Bachelor of Music at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music at Griffith University,” he said.

Now in its second year the Hands On Bursary which was initiated in the memory of celebrated local artist Rick Wood has awarded former North Mackay State High School Year 12 art student and talented photographic artist Jessie Hall their 2011 winner.

Jessie is excited to receive the bursary and is about to commence a Bachelor of Theatre course this month with the Mackay Conservatorium of Music.

To date one of her main achievements include receiving an Encouragement award in the North Mackay High School annual exhibition of senior work 2010 for her work entitled ‘Ethnic Link’.

Judging panel member and Artspace Mackay Director Michael Wardell said Jessie’s high school work in film and photography reveals a fine combination of original reactivity and intelligent humour.

“These qualities will be honed and developed through further study in a creative field and this, in turn, will benefit her future career whether it be in performance, visual arts or a combination of the two,” he said.

Cr Camilleri said both Daniel and Jessie were exceptional applicants and that Mackay Regional Council was proud of their current achievements and wishes them all the best with future studies and career paths.

Contact: Melissa Dunn

Phone: 1300 MACKAY (1300 622 529)