For the sixthyear running, the prestigious UWA x INPEX Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander Scholarship has been awarded to high-achieving students undertaking their undergraduate degree at UWA.

Warmly welcomed by the School of Indigenous Studies (SIS), INPEX was invited to Bilya Marlee to finally meet the recent recipients, which include 2020 recipients Madi Nelson, Jarrad McNeil, and 2021 recipients Taylor MacKinnon and Lia (Vasiliki) Stavrou. 2019 INPEX Scholarship recipient Anika Gosling, who is now going on to study a Masters of Psychology, spoke on the importance and impact of the support in her studies and life.

Rounding off the morning tea, SIS Alumnus and INPEX’s Aboriginal Affairs Advisor, Neil Marshall, remarked on the importance of bringing each individual’s diversity and culture to the opportunities that reveal themselves in life, and expanding networks at every chance. Addressing the various pathways available at INPEX, Neil also spoke on the varied career opportunities in the oil and gas industry.

Reflecting Neil’s words, the 2021 recipients, Lia Stavrou and Taylor MacKinnon, have brought their lived experience and background to their study and career goals.

Image: 2021 INPEX Scholarship recipients Taylor MacKinon and Lia Stavrou

MacKinnon, a Whadjuk-Noongar woman from Perth, who has achieved the top Indigenous ATAR score of the state, is undertaking a Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences, majoring in Medical Science and Clinical Practice, with the end goal of becoming a doctor, and strengthening the health and wellbeing of her people. Supported also by the Danjoo Darbalong Indigenous program at St Catherine's, MacKinnon continues to tutor at Shenton College as part of the Follow the Dream program, which supported her through high school.

Stavrou, also currently studying Biomedical Science, who was born in Darwin, and grew up on the island of Kalymnos, Greece, is pursuing her dream of creating prosthetics for animals. Having volunteered at the island’s animal welfare group, “Hands for Kalymnos”, Stavrou began her passion for animal health and wellbeing. Despite moving to Australia in 2017 without most of her family, who were still in Greece and moving to Australia one by one, she continued to work hard to achieve her educational goals and attend UWA.

The INPEX Scholarship opens on December 20, and can be found following this link after the opening date: https://www.uwa.edu.au/study/scholarship-listing/inpex-aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-scholarship-f712651#login