The University of Newcastle, Australia

The University of Newcastle (UON) Foundation is pleased to announce the establishment of up to six new scholarships for undergraduate students thanks to a $100,000 donation from Doyles Creek Mining.

The scholarships are available to students from the Upper Hunter region who want to pursue a career in geology or earth sciences. The scholarships are valued at up to $7,000 each per year for three years.

UON Foundation CEO Louise O'Connell said the establishment of the new scholarships would help to meet the boom in demand for geology graduates.

"The scholarships are designed to attract more students, particularly from the Upper Hunter to our Bachelor of Science degree program to major in earth sciences (geology stream).

"This aims to help the industry overcome its employment crisis and meet the increasing demand for geologists.

"We wish to thank Doyles Creek Mining for its donation. We want to attract more high quality students to the University and offering scholarships to students is a great incentive to them to choose our degree."

Doyles Creek Mining Managing Director Glen Lewis said the company is committed to supporting the scholarship program.

"Doyles Creek is pleased to be playing its part in helping provide new educational and practical experience opportunities for emerging talent in the important field of earth sciences.

"With a focus on attracting students from the Upper Hunter area, Doyles Creek Mining wishes to give something back to the community and in our opinion, the best gift is the gift of knowledge and wisdom developed through education."

Geology graduates generally find employment in a range of areas such as exploration or as mining geologists, environmental consultants, geological surveyors, research scientists, and in education and environmental management.

Anyone wishing to become scholarship donors can contact the UON Foundation on (02) 4921 7454 or visit www.newcastle.edu.au/foundation.

About the UON Foundation:

The UON Foundation aims to attract philanthropic support to enhance our capacity to be a university of distinction. Donations fund student scholarships, academic positions and research. The Foundation also aims to create and sustain relationships between the community, business, alumni and the University.