Rural Bank invests in passion for the rural sector
With students facing a range of challenges over the past year from the COVID-19 pandemic to bushfires and floods, Rural Bank has provided some certainty for the next generation of agri leaders, awarding $75,000 through the Bank’s annual Scholarship Program to 15 regional and rural students to help ease the burden of further education.
To aid the transition to tertiary study and to help students thrive in their chosen field, Rural Bank has awarded each of the first-time students studying an agribusiness or agricultural related qualification $5,000 to assist with the commencement of their studies, including course costs, study materials, accommodation and equipment.
One such successful applicant, Olivia Rickard from Curyo, Victoria has accepted an offer to study a Bachelor of Business (Agribusiness) at La Trobe University,
Bundoora in 2021.
“The Australian agricultural industry is constantly changing, adapting and
implementing new technologies. It is exciting to see the progression of the industry and the ongoing changes in farming practices and I am driven to be a part of leading that change.
“Australia is renowned for producing some of the world’s best agricultural products and with an expanding world population, the demand for our agricultural produce will continue to rise. My studies will ultimately see me contribute to the future of the industry by helping farmers to maintain productivity and profitability despite the anticipated changes in growing conditions”.
Acknowledging the impacts of bushfires, floods and COVID-19 on regional and rural communities, the program this year shifted to also offer scholarships to students looking to study a Certificate, Diploma or Advanced Diploma at any TAFE or college across Australia.
This year’s recipients consist of nine female and six male students from regional and rural communities in Western Australia, Queensland, South Australia, New South Wales and Victoria. The students will be undertaking TAFE and university courses in agribusiness, agricultural sciences, veterinary technology, business and agriculture.
Alexandra Gartmann, CEO of Rural Bank said the program demonstrates the Bank’s ongoing commitment and investment in supporting the growth of the agricultural sector and future generations of farmers and agribusiness professionals.
“With a global pandemic affecting industries and communities across the country, on top of a multi-year drought, devastating bushfires and significant flooding, it’s important we continue to support the next generation of regional and rural leaders. This program provides us the opportunity to help ease the financial strain for not only the students, but their families.”
“A number of this year’s scholarship applicants are from communities that have
been directly affected by devastating bushfires and prolonged drought. The COVID-19 pandemic has also caused many challenges, including transition to online study and isolation from peers for many young regional and rural Australians.”
“The resilience and talent of our scholarship recipients continues to amaze me. With the challenges they have faced they continue to show determination and a great passion for the agricultural sector – a critical industry for the Australian economy. I look forward to following their careers and future impact on the sector.”
Scholarship recipients will receive financial support to contribute to the costs of
accommodation, travel, course costs and materials, study equipment and tutoring. Subject to academic performance, the scholarship funding may be extended to support their second year of study.
To learn more about the 2021 Rural Bank Scholarship Program and recipients, visit:www.ruralbank.com.au/scholarship
