TasPorts Charles Black Scholarship Recipient 2024
TasPorts is pleased to announce Abby Gibson as the recipient of the TasPorts Charles Black Scholarship for 2024.
Posted
28 May 2024
TasPorts is pleased to announce Abby Gibson, an aspiring Maritime Engineer and student at the Australian Maritime College (AMC), as the recipient of the TasPorts Charles Black Scholarship for 2024. This scholarship, named after Tasmania’s inaugural Harbour Master, Captain Charles Black, honours his legacy by supporting the next generation of maritime professionals.
Photo: Malcolm Wise AM, Principal, Australian Maritime College, with Abby Gibson and Anthony Donald, CEO, TasPorts
Anthony Donald, CEO of TasPorts, emphasised the scholarship’s significance in recognising Captain Black’s contributions to Tasmania’s maritime sector. The scholarship provides financial support for up to four years of undergraduate study at AMC for a Tasmanian first-year student pursuing a career in the maritime field.
“Now in its fifth year, I continue to be proud to see this scholarship program continue to foster the development of future mariners, recognising Charles’ contribution to Tasmania whilst also providing unique opportunities for aspiring professionals in the maritime industry,” Mr Donald said.
“Previous scholarship recipients have excelled in their studies at AMC, with the added benefit of gaining valuable work experience with TasPorts’ marine team across Tasmania’s multi-port system,” continued Mr Donald.
Originally from Lapoinya in the North West, Abby commenced her studies at AMC in February. With a strong academic background from Hellyer College, Abby is pursuing a Bachelor of Maritime Engineering (Specialisation) (Honours), with a particular interest in sustainable power initiatives, including wave and hydropower.
“The TasPorts Charles Black Scholarship will and has already allowed me to focus on my studies while keeping a healthy school-life balance. The scholarship supports my studies at AMC by allowing me to produce a higher quality of work and to gain knowledge in the maritime field,” Abby said.
“It is wonderful to support Abby in her pursuit of becoming a marine engineer in what is traditionally a male-dominated industry, and we wish her well as she progresses with her studies,” stated Mr Donald.
Captain Charles Black was hugely respected in the maritime industry, spending over thirty years serving the Tasmanian maritime sector, making a significant and unparalleled contribution to our State’s multi-port system.
Captain Charles Black arrived in Tasmania in 1981 to commence a role with the Australian Maritime College (AMC). From the AMC, he moved into roles in Bass Strait and the Timor Sea before settling into a position as a Marine Pilot at the Port of Bell Bay.
From his role as a Marine Pilot, Captain Charles Black became the Harbour Master and CEO of the Port of Launceston. Charles was then appointed Tasmania’s first Harbour Master in 2006 following the amalgamation of the regional port authorities and the formation of TasPorts. Following his retirement in 2015 and until his passing in late 2018, he generously continued to advise TasPorts, sharing his lifetime of knowledge and experience.
The TasPorts Charles Black Memorial Scholarship is available to a Tasmanian commencing their first year of an undergraduate degree at AMC.
The scholarship provides $5,000 per year for up to four years. More information is available on the UTAS Scholarship and Prizes website.