Southern NSW recipients of the 2022 RAS Foundation Rural Scholarships
Here’s the young Southern NSW students who, with the help of regional scholarships, will pursue their dream careers and turn problems facing their communities into opportunities and solutions.
The Bowral News
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With the younger generation being more vocal about the change they’d like to see in the world, it comes as no surprise that they will be the ones to bring eclectic and life-altering ideas to the table that’ll positively impact their communities.
That’s why educational organisations that invest in young bright minds are so important, especially in rural and regional communities where opportunities may not be as easily accessible.
The Royal Agricultural Society of NSW foundation (RASF) has done just that, announcing their recipients for the 2022 RAS Foundation Rural Scholarships last week.
Sixty-nine students were selected for the scholarship programs, with eight being from the southern region of NSW.
RASF Manager, Cecilia Logan, said the foundation was proud to support recipients in pursuing their dream careers.
“For many regional students, higher education requires them to move away from their homes and families, which can be both emotionally and financially difficult,” Mrs Logan said.
“The rural scholarship program aims to make this transition easier by assisting with accommodation and education related costs and allowing students to concentrate on their studies without additional financial stress.
“This year’s recipients have demonstrated a strong desire to give back to country NSW, and we are delighted to play a role in helping them achieve their goals.”
RASF Rural Scholarship recipients will receive financial grants of $6000 for full-time study, or $3000 for part-time study, made possible with the assistance of donors.
The Bowral News spoke to the southern recipients, who provided their background, career goals and aspirations when it comes to contributing to their communities and making a difference.
Austin Grace
Locality: Murringo
What are you studying?
Bachelor of Agricultural Business Management
A bit about you:
I am currently studying my third and final year in a Bachelor of Agricultural Business Management. Growing up I worked on the family farm ‘Demondrille Merino Stud’ which heavily influenced my passion for a career in the sheep and wool industry. Since finishing school, I have pursued this and took on a two-year traineeship as a Jackaroo at ‘Egelabra Merino Stud’ along with completing a Wool Classing certificate.
What is your dream job?
My career aspirations include being the manager of a Merino stud or commercial operation.
Scholarship donated by: The Snow Foundation
Elysia Mackay
Locality: Gunning
What are you studying?
Bachelor of Agricultural Science
A bit about you:
I was born in Sydney and later moved to Gunning, where I have immersed myself in the community. I am currently entering my third year of a Bachelor of Agricultural Science majoring in agronomy at Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga.
What is your dream job?
My ambition is to enter the industry, placing theoretical knowledge into practice from diversifying production systems to the spread of financial risk of operations. The ongoing benefits of becoming an agronomist in the field would enable me to research the pipeline of production information, marketing research and innovations that can effectively manage Australia’s natural resources.
What does this scholarship mean to you?
This scholarship has assisted in providing me the opportunity to develop a broad range of knowledge to understand the contemporary issues faced in our industry. It has also allowed me to attend conferences, personal development workshops and mentoring events with peers from around the area. In meeting like minded people around the area this scholarship has made me further pursue the agronomy areas of interest.
How important is it to contribute to your community?
Being a volunteer in a small rural community like Gunning has been a rewarding experience in allowing me to meet the aspiring leaders and mentors of our generation. Through this, I’ve been able to make connections with a variety of people of different ages, backgrounds and views on how they look at agriculture. As a young person within a community, I do believe we must step up and contribute actively, as it gives the opportunity of personal development.
Scholarship donated by: The Snow Foundation
Georgina Evans
Locality: Braidwood
What are you studying?
Bachelor of Medical Studies/Doctor of Medicine
A bit about you:
I am a fourth-year Honours student studying medicine at the University of New South Wales Rural Clinical School in Port Macquarie. I grew up on property near Braidwood and had a childhood there that cannot be beaten. When not at university I work as a waitress, enjoy the beach, go bushwalking and volunteer for Camp Quality.
What is your dream job?
Upon completing my degree, I hope to practice rurally as an obstetrician-gynaecologist or general practitioner.
Scholarship donated by: The Snow Foundation
Hugh Morrison
Locality: Yass
What are you studying?
Bachelor of Veterinary Biology/Bachelor of Veterinary Science
A bit about you:
I’m 22 years old and originally from the Yass Valley where I grew up on a small cattle farm, however, I now live in Wagga Wagga and am commencing my fourth year at Charles Sturt University, studying a Bachelor of Veterinary Biology/Bachelor of Veterinary Science. In my time away from study I enjoy camping, working casually and playing local sports.
What is your dream job?
After graduating I plan on working as a rural veterinary practitioner working with livestock, companion animals and all animals in between.
Scholarship donated by: The Snow Foundation
Rory Fogg
Locality: Harden
What are you studying?
Diploma of Agriculture
A bit about you:
I grew up and went to school in Harden and since finishing school I’ve gained work experience on a large sheep station in Walcha producing fine wool and on a cattle and cropping property in Uranquinty as well as a cattle and sheep property in Junee. In 2021 I completed my Certificate IV in Agriculture.
What is your dream job?
This year I am currently completing my Diploma in Agriculture so that I can work my way into a management role and bring fresh ideas to the agricultural industry.
What does this scholarship mean to you?
This scholarship takes away some of the financial worries such as how I am going to pay for fuel or rent each week.
How important is it to contribute to your community?
It is very important because without young people from the community joining in, contributing new ideas and opinions and helping out, the community can’t grow and improve.
Scholarship donated by: Mogul Brahman Stud
Rose Hogan
Locality: Goulburn
What are you studying?
Bachelor of Nursing
A bit about you:
I am 18 years old and come from Goulburn. I am studying a Bachelor of Nursing at the University of New England, Armidale.
What is your dream job?
I hope to follow my passion and one day be a part of someone’s journey to gaining their health back and to be there for patients that need a comforting hand to hold during a tough time. There is an incredible demand for healthcare workers in regional communities and I am confident I can play a positive role in the health and wellbeing of these communities.
Scholarship donated by: The Snow Foundation
Rubey Williams
Locality: Berrima
What are you studying?
Bachelor of Agricultural Business Management
A bit about you:
I grew up on a rural property in the Southern Highlands, running over 1000 alpacas, sheep and cattle. I am studying a Bachelor of Agricultural Business Management at Charles Sturt University, where I’m able to learn more about the science behind agriculture while gaining the necessary business skills to ensure commercial viability in whatever I choose to take on.
What is your dream job?
I’m interested in establishing a commercial alpaca operation in rural NSW, which would bring employment, product and service to the area. It will also encourage professional services into the area, such as agronomists and agribusiness consultants.
Scholarship donated by: Janie Forrest & Ian Davison
Samantha Larter
Locality: Moss Vale
What are you studying?
Diploma of Agriculture
A bit about you:
I am 23 years old and currently studying a Diploma in Agriculture at Wagga Wagga TAFE along with working at Moss Vale High School as the farm assistant. I also run my own business ‘Beltana Farm Services’ providing animal sitting, stock management, farm maintenance and more to the Southern Highlands and surrounds. Agriculture is an amazing industry to get into and has so many different pathways that you can go down.
What is your dream job?
My goal after completing a Diploma in Agriculture is to become an agriculture teacher through TAFE and inspire like-minded people to follow their passion in agriculture.
Scholarship donated by: Susan Maple-Brown
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