Karratha student Leanne Mott wins scholarship and adds spark to study

A local community member has been awarded a national scholarship to help support her engineering studies. Karratha resident Leanne Mott was one of four national recipients of the CQUniCares Connellan Airways Trust Scholarship designed to support regional students’ education by making it more accessible and achievable. Ms Mott, who was the first graduate of the Pilbara Universities Centre CQU STEPS pathway, is studying a bachelor of engineering with a major in mechatronics. She is now on her way to Rockhampton, Queensland were she will complete a week of compulsory residential school, meet her cohort and tutors and attend workshops. Ms Mott said she cried when she found out she won the scholarship. “I couldn’t believe it. It was just this overwhelming sense of pride and achievement,” she said. “These people believe in me and my journey and have backed me financially to assist me in achieving my goals. I’ve got an electrical background. I’ve just always loved how things work and those technical sort of aspects. I’ve always wanted to do engineering but I honestly didn’t think I would ever be able to.” Ms Mott said she hoped to inspire other people to study. “I just hope people can read my story and realise that it’s never too late,” she said. “Don’t give up on your dreams. “Just because we live in regional WA doesn’t mean that you can’t do it. “There are people out there who believe in us and will back us and help us on that journey. Just have a go.”