Moree's Ellen Coote is one of 12 tertiary education students from across northern NSW that have been recognised for their dedication to the rural sector at the Royal Agricultural Society (RAS) Foundation scholarship presentation in Armidale on July 16.
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Member for Northern Tablelands and Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall attended the ceremony at the University of New England where rural scholarships were awarded to students who have shown a passion for rural issues and the determination to make a difference in the bush.
Mr Marshall said it was humbling to meet a group of young people so committed to taking farming forward.
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"Many family run operations are struggling to see a future past the end of this drought but this passionate and motivated scholarship recipients demonstrate that not only is the industry strong, but there are many innovative young people ready to take on the challenge," he said.
"From degrees in Agricultural Science, Medicine and Teaching to a Certificate in Engineering and Fabrication, all the scholarship recipients are learning skills which fill serious shortages in the bush and I hope this recognition encourages them to stay and apply their trades where they are most needed.
"I spoke to some of the recipients who told me how grateful they are for these financial scholarships. With the drought taking a toll on their family farms many have had to return home to help in holidays meaning they have missed out on opportunities to work elsewhere and earn an income to pay for their tuition."
Scholarships provide up to $6,000 for full-time study or $3,000 for part-time study.
Mr Marshall said he wanted to particularly congratulate three scholarship recipients from the Northern Tablelands - Moree's Ellen Coote (Bachelor of Education K to 12), Alistair Scott from Armidale (Bachelor of Rural Science) and Cassie MacBean from Invergowrie (Bachelor of Medicine - Joint Medical Program)
"All three students are a credit to their families and communities and wish them every success with their studies and the the best of luck with their future careers," he said.
"They are all passionate about the future of agriculture and rural communities and want to ply their skills and profession in country NSW, which is brilliant news for us all!"
Applications for the RAS Foundation Rural Scholarships 2020 are now open and more information can be found at www.rasf.smartygrants.com.au/Rural2020.
