School engagement

Educational port tours and school tours

We offer an educational experience to students of all ages.

​School tours, excursions and classroom visits with a guest speaker assist us in maintaining our link with our regional schools and promote greater awareness of our ports’ activities and the role we play in the local and state economy.

Student bursary program

GPC has been offering bursaries to high schools in the Gladstone and Rockhampton regions, and more recently, the Bundaberg region for more than three decades.

The bursary initiative forms part of our Community Investment Program, focusing on encouraging students to explore their options and further their educational journey.

Recipients are selected by their respective schools based on selection criteria provided by GPC, which includes attitude, academic achievements and commitment to community.

TTTT secondary school bursary

The Talent Today, Talent Tomorrow bursary is a secondary school funding program for Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Australian South Sea Islander students in the Gladstone and Bundaberg regions.

The bursary program provides financial assistance to successfully selected Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander or Australian South Sea Islander students in recognition of their efforts at school, as well as encouraging them to continue with their schooling. GPC is proud to commit to the Talent Today, Talent Tomorrow Bursary Program, as part of our Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan.

The bursary is awarded annually in Term 4 to one junior (in Year 7, 8 or 9) and one senior (in Year 10 or 11) Aboriginal, Torres Strait or Australian South Sea Islander secondary student from each of the local secondary schools in the Gladstone and Bundaberg regions. Students are nominated by their schools and must show a consistent demonstration of positive commitment to their schooling.

A one-off payment of $500 for the junior student and $750 for the senior student will be paid to each of the successful candidates’ schools, to be held in trust for the student.

These funds can then be accessed by the student to assist in the payments of:

  • school uniform
  • text book hire
  • curriculum based excursions
  • student equipment (i.e. laptop, iPad)
  • identified book list items
  • work experience fees
  • school related activities such as school sport, music, visual and performing arts workshops or camps.
To apply for this bursary, students must currently be enrolled and attending a secondary school within the Gladstone and Bundaberg region.

Applications for the 2022 Talent Today, Talent Tomorrow School Bursary program open on July 11.

  • Information for Schools
  • Information and Nomination Form for Students
  • Flyer

TTTT University Scholarship

As part of our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), GPC provides a university scholarship to help facilitate increased opportunities for members of the Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Australian South Sea Islander communities in the areas in which we operate.

The scholarship provides financial support for up to a three-year period to one successful candidate who is enrolled in an undergraduate program of studies. Both beginning and continuing university students are encouraged to apply.

Scholarship recipients will receive a payment of $3,500 on the successful completion of each semester, for a total of $7,000 annually, for up to three years.

Vacation work

Recipients whose area of study aligns with GPC’s areas of business such as Engineering, Environmental Science, Business, Finance, Human Resources or Community Relations may also apply to be considered for a six-week paid vacation placement each year during the life of their scholarship.

Talent Today, Talent Tomorrow University Scholarship applicants must:

  • be enrolled at an approved Australian university at HECS census date
  • be enrolled in either a part-time or full-time undergraduate academic program
  • provide evidence that they belong to either the Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander or Australian South Sea Islander community
  • provide evidence that they or their parents reside in the specified postcode areas of 4680, 4677, 4694, 4695.

We encourage you to read through our Talent Today, Talent Tomorrow Scholarship Application Pack ​before beginning your application.

Applicants must complete the online application form and provide a 500 word statement demonstrating:

  • how this scholarship will assist you in your studies
  • your involvement in community and connection to culture to date
  • some key achievements
  • your career aspirations for the future

Applicants should also include two referees — one personal and one professional — and any additional relevant documentation or evidence that will support the application.

Applications for the 2023 Talent Today, Talent Tomorrow Scholarship program are open and will close 4pm, Monday 8 May 2023.