Three Southern Cross students awarded prestigious New Colombo Plan scholarship

Chloe Dunemann, Nevenya Cameron and Caylin Nel were announced as 2024 scholars at a Canberra ceremony this week.

Chloe is a Bachelor of Education (Primary/Secondary) student from the Gold Coast who has spent the last five years working for Surf Life Saving Queensland and teaching swimming. These experiences, as well as her placements in local schools with a large Pacific Islander population inspired her to study in Fiji. She will embark on a year-long study adventure departing September 2024 which includes a language course and internship in addition to academic study at University of the South Pacific.

“I want to immerse myself in Fijian culture and get involved with the Learn to Swim program in Fiji, a program for people who live on an island but have never learnt to swim,” she said.

Bachelor of Science (Applied Chemistry) student Caylin Nel from Coffs Harbour will also head to Fiji in September next year. Caylin is not only an academic star with an HD average, she is also a passionate swimmer and diver, who plans to use her time abroad in marine science research and by undertaking an internship. She also plans to extend her studies to the nearby Cook Islands to cover research and knowledge of the local marine life and habitats and the threats that face them such as rising ocean temperatures and acidification.

Nevenya Cameron is a Bachelor of Laws and Creative Writing student based in Lismore who plans to study and undertake a law internship in South Korea as well as study French in New Caledonia. COVID put a stop to her on-campus study plans but she became actively involved in community music events and local writers events.

“I’m interested in the ongoing implications of the colonisation Korea has faced over time and the human rights issues in North Korea and I’d eventually like to pursue a career in international relations and diplomacy,” she said.

The New Colombo Plan scholarship is funded by the Federal government and supports Australian undergraduates to study and undertake internships in the Indo-Pacific region, encouraging cultural and knowledge exchange between the region and Australia.

In addition to the scholarship program, the New Colombo Plan involves mobility grants for both short and longer-term study, internships, mentorships, practicums and research.

Southern Cross University Director, Global Engagement Christine Martin said the New Colombo Plan scholarships were a fantastic opportunity for students. “It’s about broadening not only the scope of your degree but also your knowledge of our region and creating those vital professional networks and knowledge for after you graduate.

“The scholarships are very competitive and it speaks to the calibre of our students that three have been awarded this year,” she said.

More about the New Colombo Plan.