Moulamein's Hope Fitzpatrick with SunRice chairman Laurie Arthur.
Hope Fitzpatrick of Moulamein and Albury’s Ava Christie have been named joint winners of 2024 Jan Cathcart Memorial Scholarship.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
The scholarship of up to $10,000 per year will support both women in their studies.
Hope is in her second year of a Bachelor of Business majoring in Agribusiness and Finance at La Trobe University, whilst Ava is pursuing a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Agricultural Science (Hons), at the University of Tasmania.
In presenting Ava and Hope with their scholarships at a celebratory dinner in Deniliquin, SunRice Group Chairman Mr Laurie Arthur said it was a pleasure to have two worthy recipients in the 10th year of the scholarship.
“Both of this year’s winners, Ava and Hope, show a commitment to the rice industry and their communities through different pathways and the selection of two candidates is testament to the calibre of applicants we had for this year’s scholarship,” Mr Arthur said.
“Ava, whilst not growing up on a farm, is passionate about resource management, sustainability, pest management, and genetics, and applying each of these to rice growing.
“Hope’s vision is to pursue an agricultural profession within her home region of the Riverina, building on her connection to country living and establishing strong connections with local farmers and actively engage in the rice industry.”
The Jan Cathcart Memorial Scholarship was designed to provide recipients with financial support and hands-on industry experience to assist them in achieving their career goals.
“At the SunRice Group, we are really proud to have honoured Jan’s commitment by investing in the future of the industry through the scholarship,” Mr Arthur said.
“Jan had a passion for the rice industry, and for seeing young people properly trained and educated so that they could in turn contribute to the industry.
“So, there could have been no better way to have recognised her than by supporting a total of 14 young women to further their studies.”
Ava Christie from Albury with SunRice chair Laurie Arthur.
The recipients thanked SunRice Group for the opportunity and reflected on Jan Cathcart’s legacy and what it means to them.
On receiving the Award, Ava said she is focused on developing a greater understanding of the wide range of elements of rice production, and contributing to the industry in research, work, education and marketing.
“I am fascinated by the rice industry and the challenges presented to rice production more broadly,” she said.
“I hope to further Jan Cathcart’s legacy as a dedicated and driven contributor to the industry by striving to model aspects of her career in my own.
“I am also so excited to immerse myself in a like-minded passionate community of women from all walks of life, working in all kinds of roles in the industry.”
10°C