Tiahna Fiddling

The perfect alignment of passion and opportunity has positioned CQUniversity student Tyler Pittaway for a cracking career in the chiropractic profession. 

The Mackay local is currently completing a Masters of Clinical Chiropractic Care with aspirations to open a practice in his hometown surrounded by like-minded health practitioners.

'I decided to study chiropractic as growing up I was a keen sports and health enthusiast and regularly visited my local chiropractor', Tyler said.

'I have experienced first-hand the difference that chiropractic can have on all walks of life and decided that it was something that I wanted to pursue.

'Seeing the real difference that chiropractic care can have on people, and being able to help others, is such a great feeling'.  

Tyler’s work in the community was recently recognised as one of five university students who were recipients of a Mackay Regional Council’s 2024 Academic Bursary.

The popular academic bursary program is now in its twelfth year and offers $5000 bursaries to assist students, with each recipient receiving biannual instalments of y250 for their final two years of study.

He was also offered the opportunity to complete 12 weeks of paid work experience with the Council.

'This bursary will allow me to complete other courses related to complementary therapies which will further my toolkit in providing chiropractic care to others.    

'Some of the bursary will also be allocated to other medical tools that are needed during my time in the clinic', Tyler said.

'Although there is no "chiropractic department" at the Council, I will be completing my work experience in the Workplace Health and Safety area'.  

Mayor Greg Williamson said 'This is a great chance to see how different industries within the health arena can provide education to help the community live safer, healthier, and happier lives'. He added that awarding the bursaries this year was a hard decision this year due to the high calibre of nominations received.

'We had some fantastic applications this year, which proves we really are producing some of the best and brightest in the nation', Mayor Williamson said.

'We’re so proud to have them staying, or in some cases returning home to Mackay, to take up the valuable work experience available with Council as part of these bursaries.

'Another benefit of this program is that it will hopefully entice the students to remain in our region when they join the workforce after graduating, which is important in helping to ease the current skills shortage'.

Tyler said the option to study locally and give back to the region was a large factor in choosing to study with CQUniversity.  

'There are only a handful of universities in Australia that allow you to study chiropractic even though we are a regional town. The CQU Mackay campus provides access to some of the best lecturers and facilities around Australia', he said.

'To be able to have access to the course in a regional area has allowed me to stay close with my friends and family while also growing my relationships within the community', Tyler said.  

'It’s such a supportive environment and allows me to be the best student chiropractor I can be. I look forward to getting out into the real world and making a difference'!

Story courtesy of CQUniversity