Scholarship opportunity

Macpherson Smith Rural Foundation is inviting community organisations in Horsham, Stawell and Ararat districts to nominate outstanding young people for a Community Leader Scholarship.

A donation from Findex Community Fund and support from the team at Crowe Horwath in Stawell has made the scholarship possible.

The scholarship includes an all-expenses-paid place in a week-long Young Rural Leaders Program on a farm property near Ballarat; $500 to help cover travel costs, incidental expenses and lost wages; and ongoing connection with young people from across rural Victoria through a MSRF Alumni group.

Scholarship organisers are calling for people aged 18 to 22 who have ‘demonstrated their leadership capacity and community service, or have the potential to be a future leader’.

MSRF is especially interested in hearing about young people who have a desire to remain in rural Victoria and have demonstrated their resilience by overcoming challenging circumstances.

MSRF chief executive Dr Maryann Brown said the program was a reminder that regardless of a person’s pathway after secondary college, it was important to support young Victorians and their rural and regional communities.

“We work with young rural Victorians by supporting and empowering them to be leaders in their communities,” she said.

“Young people are able to redefine problems and reimagine possibilities, so they are well placed to lead changes that will contribute to stronger, thriving rural communities.

“It is a rewarding experience helping a young person to pursue their dreams.

“We are excited to see the impact they will have after the Young Rural Leaders Program when they return to their rural community with new skills and ideas.”

People can submit nominations, which close on October 8, online via MSRF website www. msrf.org.au/scholarships.