Flood hero presented with overseas scholarship by Queensland governor

The young electrician who worked to restore power during Brisbane’s floods was recently presented with a scholarship by Queensland Governor Penelope Wensley at Brisbane Parliament House.

Benjamin Lowrey was awarded the opportunity to live and work in Canada by the Queensland Overseas Foundation, a voluntary non-profit organisation.

The foundation is sponsored by Queensland industry and supported by the state government to provide international vocational experience to specially selected young tradespersons who have completed their formal training.

Lowrey, who was among five young Queenslanders to be awarded the scholarships, worked on the field and with crews to restore power during Brisbane’s devastating floods in January.

“I was in the switching restoration so I was involved with all the high-voltage operations,” he said. “I needed to speak with residents in their actual homes because we had to do inspections on their electrical switchboards. The emotion was very high.”

Lowrey commented that scholarships like these could bring much needed support to places like his hometown of Cairns, which is still recovering from the effects of Cyclone Yasi, adding: “Being from Cairns, I know it would have devastated their primary industry both emotionally and financially. They have a long road to come back from.”

Queensland Overseas Foundation Chairman Peter Constantini stated that the scholarships will benefit Queensland industries in the long term: “These Queenslanders are able to get an international vocational experience like no other. This will then benefit our industries when they bring these new skills and lessons back home.

“For the recipients of the awards, this is an invaluable opportunity for themselves and the community that they otherwise would not have.”

Governor Wensley added that the scholarships will play a pivotal role in the development of Queensland’s industries: “These are enterprising and talented young men and women, who are now given the opportunity to fulfil their potential.”