For Vincent McDonagh, receiving the 2023 Business Northwest Bursary has not only eased financial pressures, it has provided valuable connections with the business community.
“I went to the Business Northwest meeting and spoke, and ever since then I’ve been getting a lot of comments from business people in the community who heard the presentation and were interested to talk more,” he said.
As well as studying an Accelerated Bachelor of Business at the University of Tasmania, Vincent is working as an Undergraduate Accountant for Grange Resources for twenty hours a week. The role provides him with a broad background in finance and insights into the company, which employs about 650 people in the region. A keen runner and bike rider, he said working in remote locations like Savage River offers unique access to wild places, including runs through nature.
“I’ve spent almost all my life in the North-West,” he said, adding that he appreciates the sense of community.
Prior to his undergraduate role at Grange, Vincent worked in agriculture, accommodation and for retail company West Pine Ag. He also assisted with the growth of the Penguin Pantry and the creation of a Penguin Pantry coffee outlet.
Before starting his business degree, he began an engineering degree at the University and was awarded 1st Place in the 2019 UTAS Science and Engineering Awards (Senior Division).
Ian Jones, President of Business Northwest, a division of the Burnie Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the organisation was pleased to be providing the $3,000 scholarship.
“It is intended to help young students get the education they require to move themselves into the business workplace,” he said.
“It also assists business people in the area because they get to know quality graduates – upgrading the talent pool for local businesses.”
Ian, who was also born and raised in Burnie, has a small business and corporate background that has taken him to Sydney and China, where he spent a decade. He is the Chairperson for Clean Energy Tasmania.
He said local business owners, who collectively supported the scholarship through their Business Northwest membership, were very pleased to hear of Vincent’s experiences through his studies, the undergraduate program at Grange Resources, and what the scholarship has meant for him.
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Banner Image: Ian Jones (left), President of Business Northwest, with Vincent McDonagh (right) | Image credit: Michael Cannon, Design Eye Creative