Grant instrumental for budding music career

December 12, 2017

Grant instrumental for budding music career

LAST year’s Jack Sturgeon Bursary recipient, performing songwriter Oliver Carter Beck, used his grant to buy something that’s instrumental for all his gigs.

“He went straight out and bought himself a new PRS SE Custom 24 Electric Guitar, which he loves,” his mother Sharone Carter said.

“Oliver was so thrilled to receive the bursary after being offered a place in the JMC Music Academy Bachelor of Music program,” she said.

“The grant, and the guitar it bought, could not have come at a better time.

“It has been used for many of his university performances and is a much-needed asset for his music and songwriting studies.”

Fast forward ten months and Oliver is enjoying the program, passing all his classes and is looking forward to producing an EP in the near future.

He will return to Mackay over the Christmas holidays and already has a string of gigs booked at local venues.

Now the MECC is looking for another young talented local performing artist to give a leg-up to.

The Jack Sturgeon Bursary is a $1000 grant open to Year 12 students who have been accepted into tertiary studies in performing arts or music.

The bursary is designed to support and encourage young emerging performing artists in their chosen field and is currently open for applications.

Community Engagement Committee deputy chair Cr Justin Englert said the money could be put towards expenses, such as travel costs, tuition fees, text books or new equipment.

Applications are open now until Monday, January 29, 2018.  The winning applicant will be presented with the bursary at a council morning tea on Wednesday, February 28.

Written applications can be sent to: Jack Sturgeon Bursary Application, Mackay Regional Council, PO Box 41, Mackay, QLD, 4740.

For further information or assistance with applications, call Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre's manager Andrew Bobeldyk on 4961 9777.

Fact box: Jack Sturgeon was a well-known Mackay identity and life-long supporter of local performing arts.  The award recognises his service and enthusiasm for performing arts, and seeks applicants who demonstrate that same enthusiasm.