TasWater has announced that this year’s winner of the Steve Balcombe Scholarship is Olivia Wilson.
Olivia is enrolled to complete a Bachelor of Science (Catalyst Program) with UTAS.
From Clifton Beach, Olivia completed her secondary education at Rosny College.
The Steve Balcombe Scholarship is offered by TasWater to support a student studying in an area relevant to the water industry such as engineering, environmental science and earth science.
This year there was a record 67 applicants.
The scholarship provides Olivia with $3000 for each year of her university course to help support her study as well as professional and mentoring support with work placements at TasWater.
As part of the Steve Balcombe Scholarship, Olivia will be offered employment in a graduate position at TasWater at the end of her study.
TasWater CEO Michael Brewster says the Steve Balcombe Scholarship is the keystone in TasWater’s commitment to developing career paths for young water industry professionals.
“Recipients gain insight and experience in the water industry and participate in real projects with real outcomes to improve the delivery and quality of water, protect the environment and help improve essential water and sewerage services which are taken for granted.
Olivia says she is passionate about the sciences, especially Environmental Science and its implications on society.
“I hope to create a greater understanding within society of human impacts on the environment and also the ways in which we can benefit from a greater understanding and appreciation of our natural world.”
The scholarship honours the inaugural Chairman of Hobart Water Steve Balcombe who had a distinguished career in both the public and private sectors in Tasmania before his premature death in 2001.
Steve was an engineering graduate from the University of Tasmania and played a pioneering role in developing the water industry in the state as we know it today.
Michael Brewster says TasWater is very pleased to offer ongoing support for the scholarship, honouring Steve Balcombe which is now in its seventeenth year.
“The scholarship provides financial support to students like Olivia and importantly helps foster an interest in the development and management of water infrastructure.”
As well as the Steve Balcombe scholarship now guaranteeing a graduate position for the scholarship winner, TasWater has also set in place an ongoing Internship Program.
Seven students across both engineering and corporate disciplines have been working at TasWater over the summer university break, gaining valuable experience in the workplace.
Michael Brewster says TasWater recognises it has real responsibility in developing a solid skills base within Tasmania.
“To enable us to carry out all the future maintenance, upgrades and development projects, Tasmania will need well trained professionals in all areas of expertise to help the state’s water and sewerage industry develop.”
Olivia received her scholarship today at a presentation BBQ at Tolosa Park in Glenorchy with TasWater also recognising participants in this year’s Internship Program.
TasWater
