Scholarships strengthen dairy industry
The Gardiner Foundation believes strongly the next generation of dairy farmers, service providers, professionals, business owners and community volunteers are the future of the dairy industry and its communities.
To achieve that goal, the foundation invests in emerging leaders and practices to help develop a long-term future for the dairy industry. Supporting rural people beginning tertiary study through the Gardiner Foundation tertiary scholarship program contributes to achieving this goal.
The tertiary scholarships aim to strengthen dairy communities by lowering some of the barriers for regional people to access tertiary education.
“We are confident that by selecting people who are capable and demonstrate a passion for regional Victoria, they will one day return to dairy communities with the skills they’ve developed while studying, thereby strengthening those dairy communities,” Gardiner Foundation chief executive officer Allan Cameron said.
Gardiner Foundation offers tertiary scholarships to up to seven individuals residing in Victorian dairy communities. Students must pursue a career that will either directly benefit the dairy industry and/or benefit dairy communities. Each scholarship is worth $10,000 per year and provides financial support for accommodation, travel, as well as essential study materials.
“The scholarship was a critical part in my life which has led me to the work I’m in now. I don’t know where I would have ended up without it,” Lauren Brewer, a previous scholarship recipient, said. She currently works as a paramedic at a remote mine site in the Gibson Desert.
Each of the scholarships is named in honour of individuals who have made a significant contribution to the dairy industry and its communities in Victoria. Scholarships honour Shirley Harlock, Jakob Malmo, Bill Pyle, Doug Weir, and Niel Black.
Gardiner has been providing scholarships since 2008 and awarded 75 scholarships with a total value of more than $1.7 million.
A review indicated that more than 70 per cent of past scholars have gone on to live in and contribute to the dairy industry and dairy communities since completing their tertiary studies.
The 2023 scholars are:
William Coleman, East Gippsland, who received the Jakob Malmo scholarship, and is studying a Bachelor of Medical Studies/Doctor of Medicine.
Hamish Wortley, Macarthur, who received the Bill Pyle scholarship, and is studying a Bachelor of Business (Agribusiness).
Hamish McLeod, East Gippsland, who received the Doug Weir scholarship, and is studying a Bachelor of Commerce.
Tess Doyle, Cohuna, who received the Niel Black scholarship, and is studying a Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours).
Hamish Smith, Saint Germains, who received the Niel Black scholarship, and is studying a Bachelor of Agriculture/Bachelor of Business.
This week’s overall winner is Niamh Jensen for her excellent colouring of a person playing hockey.
Niamh’s colouring was super neat and very colourful. She used lots of colourful gel pens and drew a number of small hearts in the background. She also added blue clouds in the sky. It is clear Niamh put a lot of effort into her submission.
Well done Niamh. Keep up the great work. Congratulations, you will receive a $10 Need2Read voucher and a family pass to the Warragul Cinema Centre valued at $52.