Honouring a legacy: How the Tori Cowburn Scholarship is shaping Lluka Moffitt’s career

In 2024, Lluka Moffitt was awarded the Tori Cowburn Scholarship, established by Thiess to honour the memory of colleague Tori Cowburn, who tragically passed away in the Hunter Valley wedding bus tragedy. The scholarship will be awarded annually to a local Hunter Valley female to complete their university studies in a mining-related discipline. 

We were proud to award Lluka the scholarship, a Muswellbrook local who is progressing through her four-year Paramedicine Degree at Charles Sturt University, fulfilling her dream of helping people during times of need. The scholarship will fund Lluka’s final three years of study while she works three days per week at Mount Pleasant Operation to gain on-the-job mining experience to compliment her studies.

Below, Lluka shares her story and discusses the positive impact the scholarship has had on her studies and career.

Q. What has receiving the Tori Cowburn Scholarship meant to you?

A. Receiving the scholarship has been a bittersweet honour. It has opened many doors, both personally and professionally, and provided me with hands-on experience in the health and safety and emergency response teams at Mount Pleasant Operation. I'm very grateful and proud to be supported by Thiess and Tori’s family, though I’m mindful that it came at a devastating loss for the Cowburn family.

Q. What's your connection to the Hunter Valley?

A. I’ve grown up in Muswellbrook my whole life, attending school here and being actively involved in the community through playing netball and touch football, as well as coaching, umpiring and volunteering. I love being active within the community, whether it’s going for walks through the bush or swimming in the river with my friends and family. Mining also runs in my family, with several relatives working locally in the industry.

Q. In what ways has the scholarship supported you?

A. I’ve had many hands-on learning opportunities with the health and safety team and emergency response teams at Mount Pleasant Operation, which has directly correlated to my university studies. This experience has not only given me practical skills but has also provided me financial support as I continue my degree, allowing me to focus on learning and gaining the most from both my studies and workplace experience. I believe the scholarship will inspire many girls in the Hunter Valley and is unlike anything seen before in mining.

Q. What are your key highlights and learnings so far?

A. A key highlight has been applying what I’m learning at university to real life mining scenarios. Through the health and safety and emergency response teams, I’ve gained experience in roping, vehicle extractions, firefighting and legislation, while seeing how theory translates into practice on site. I’ve learned the value of teamwork, clear communication and accountability and Mount Pleasant Operation’s culture has helped me settle in quickly.

Q. Why did you want to join the mining industry?

A. Mining has always been part of my community. The scholarship gave me the chance to step into the industry earlier than I expected, while still studying at university. What stands out to me is how Thiess places importance on supporting its people and how this scholarship honours Tori’s legacy. I feel very grateful to be part of something that reflects those values.

Q. What inspired you to study paramedicine? 

A. Emergency services are in my blood, with family members who have worked in the sector. From around age four to fifteen, my mum would say all I ever wanted was to be a police officer so I could help people, but when paramedicine was suggested as I shared my passion for caring for others, it just felt right. I’ve had personal experiences with paramedics that showed me how every situation deserves compassion and support. What excites me most is that no two days are the same, and I can make a difference in someone’s life whether it’s big or small.

Q. What are your career aspirations after completing your degree?

A. I would be grateful for the opportunity to continue working at Mount Pleasant Operation, as I connect with the company’s values, enjoy working with the people and appreciate the support they provide, especially through their focus on initiatives for women in mining. Academically, I aim to complete both a Bachelor of Paramedicine, graduating with honours, and a Master’s in traumatology. I hope to join NSW Ambulance one day as a paramedic, with a future goal of becoming an Aeromedical Critical Care Paramedic within NSW Ambulance.

Q. What are you most looking forward to as you continue working in the mines?

A. I’m excited to see how mining will evolve and the opportunities women will have in the industry in the coming years. I’m curious about the different pathways that programs like this scholarship open, giving university students and school leavers hands-on experience while studying. I think what Thiess and the Cowburn family are doing is fantastic, and I love how programs like this continue to create pathways as mines grow. I’m really looking forward to being part of that journey and seeing how I can contribute along the way.

Applications close Friday, 5 September 2025. Find out more.