Council celebrates high-achieving Western Downs students

Published on 24 January 2025

Each year, Western Downs Regional Council welcomes selected high-achieving Year 12 Western Downs graduates home to the region as part of Council's inaugural Community Spirit Bursary.

Each university break, bursary recipients are welcomed back to the region for paid work placement with Western Downs Regional Council. These annual bursaries offer Year 12 students a unique opportunity to kickstart their careers, while supporting students with a $1,000 contribution toward their chosen field of study.

Since its inception in 2016, the Community Spirit Bursary has been awarded to 61 graduating students from seven high schools across the region. These students don’t just shine academically; they're also involved in their communities, school life and committed to further education.

Rachel Redlich received Council's Community Spirit Bursary in Year 12 and has been with Council since June 2022. During her university breaks, she has spent her time in Dalby with Council's Utilities team, working in treatment and network.

While at university, Miss Redlich has spent the last three years completing a Bachelor of Music, majoring in instrumental music education preparation at Griffith University's Queensland Conservatorium in Brisbane.

Miss Redlich said she enjoyed coming home to the Western Downs during her university breaks.

"I enjoyed being able to come home and spend the holidays with my family and friends, while also keeping a sustainable full-time job," Miss Redlich said.

"A major highlight for me was creating friendships with my colleagues that will continue after I finish here."

Beyond the friendships, Miss Redlich said her time with Council has opened her eyes to the role of local government in the community and provided her with valuable, transferable skills.

"I gained more knowledge about how Council is involved in the community and how much the Council has to do with everything here. I learned how in depth our water testing and management is, and I hadn't realised just how much testing is completed and required to sustain safe drinking water for the community," Miss Redlich said.

"Prior to this job, I only had retail experience, so it's great to have learnt more about administration and computer skills."

Western Downs Regional Council Chief Executive Officer Jodie Taylor praised the Community Spirit Bursary as an important way to recognise and support the next generation of leaders.

"Our region is brimming with exceptional young people, and each year, our Community Spirit Bursaries provide us with the opportunity to recognise and celebrate their accomplishments," Mrs Taylor said.

"We are incredibly proud of all our bursary recipients and look forward to seeing the significant contributions they will make while with Council and in their chosen fields."    

This year, Council will welcome seven new Community Spirit Bursary Students.

Community Spirit Bursary Award Winners

Olivia Koehler - Our Lady of the Southern Cross College

Mackenzie Wallin - Dalby State High School

Fletcher Loechel - Dalby Christian College

Alice Iverson - Chinchilla State High School

Nathan Dunn - Miles State High School

Evan Bishop - Tara Shire State College

Julian Manners - Chinchilla Christian College

For more information about Council's employment and development opportunities, contact Council on 1300 268 624 (COUNCIL) or visit www.wdrc.qld.gov.au