TasPorts Charles Black Scholarship Recipient 2022
TasPorts recognises aspiring Maritime Engineer and AMC Student Lachlan Bird, as recipient of the TasPorts Charles Black Scholarship for 2022.
Posted
17 May 2022
TasPorts recognises aspiring Maritime Engineer and AMC Student Lachlan Bird, as recipient of the TasPorts Charles Black Scholarship for 2022.
Posted
17 May 2022
The legacy of Tasmania’s first Harbour Master continues to inspire future generations, with Lachlan Bird being recognised today as this year’s recipient of the University of Tasmania’s TasPorts Charles Black Scholarship.
The scholarship is named after Master Mariner and Tasmania’s first Harbour Master, Captain Charles Black, who dedicated more than 30 years to the State’s maritime sector.
TasPorts Chief Executive Officer Anthony Donald said the scholarship pays tribute to Captain Black’s contribution by providing a Tasmanian first-year undergraduate student with up to four years of financial support to pursue a career in maritime at the Australian Maritime College (AMC).
“I continue to be proud to see this scholarship provided to an aspiring mariner each year, recognising Charles’ contribution to Tasmania, whilst also providing unique opportunities to the next generation pursuing a future in the maritime sector,” Mr Donald said.
The 2022 scholarship recipient is Lachlan Bird, who is currently studying a Bachelor of Maritime Engineering (Honours) at Launceston’s AMC. Choosing this study path to complement his love of the water, Lachlan is an accomplished sailor who has grown up around water and has competed in national and world competitions.
“This scholarship will support my studies at AMC, allowing me to build and gain knowledge in the marine field and focus on my studies, whilst I maintain my sports and other commitments,” Lachlan said.
The Charles Black scholarship provides both financial and vocational support to the recipient. Through it, Lachlan will join continuing scholars Zachary Paul (2021) and Ethan Ritchie (2020), who both had the opportunity to participate in vocational experience with TasPorts, across Tasmania’s multi-port system.
TasPorts look forward to welcoming Lachlan when he begins his work experience placement later this year.
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 right up until his passing in late 2018, he generously continued to advise TasPorts, sharing his lifetime of knowledge and experience.
Charles was hugely respected in the maritime industry and also in the Tasmanian community, for not only his professional accomplishments but also his character, which was often described as loyal, steadfast, and practical.
The TasPorts Charles Black Memorial Scholarship is available to a Tasmanian commencing their first year of an undergraduate degree at AMC.
The scholarship provides for $5,000 per year for up to four years.
More information is available on the UTAS Scholarship and Prizes website.