Australian South Sea Islander Community Foundation

The Australian South Sea Islander Community Foundation was established under the QCF
to provide tertiary scholarships to Australian South Sea Islander students. Since inception in
2001, twenty six students have received scholarships to support their studies and five students
have graduated with degrees in nursing, business and the arts.

In July 2000, the Queensland Government formally recognised Australian South Sea Islanders as
a distinct cultural group and made a commitment to address the communities' needs, including
education and employment.

Australian South Sea Islanders are the Australian born descendants of predominantly Melanesian
people who were brought to Queensland between 1863 and 1904 from 80 Pacific Islands as a
source of cheap labour for the state's primary industries.

The Australian South Sea Islander Community Foundation is a sub-fund of the Queensland
Community Foundation, which provides university scholarships for Australian South Sea Islanders.

Each scholarship recipient receives $5000 per year full-time or $2500 part time for the duration of
their degree. This financial contribution can be used in any way that will help the student.

A further seven scholarship recipients are currently studying at the four participating universities:

James Cook University, Central Queensland University, Queensland University of Technology and
University of the Sunshine Coast.  

The foundation is a trust fund under the Queensland Community Foundation and enjoys the support
of high profile Queenslanders such as NRL legend Mal Meninga who, as its patron, promotes the
Foundation.

Donations from the Queensland Government, the corporate sector and individuals have created a
permanent legacy for the Australian South Sea Islander community.

The donations to the Community Foundation ensure students like Belinda and David will continue to
succeed.

For further information visit, http://www.multicultural.qld.gov.au/