Financial help available for dairy region students

INTENDING students from Victorian dairy communities who are planning to start tertiary studies in 2025 are being invited to apply for one of seven Gardiner Foundation Tertiary Scholarships.

Scholarship recipients will each receive $10,000 annually for three years to support costs associated with their studies.

The scholarships are named in recognition of services to the dairy industry by Niel Black, Shirley Harlock, Jakob Malmo, Bill Pyle and Doug Weir.

“Supporting rural Victorian students enhances the social fabric of our dairy communities,” Gardiner Foundation CEO Allan Cameron said.

“We are proud to offer opportunities for students to pursue their tertiary education without the financial burdens that often affect those from the country.

“By enabling more students from dairy communities to gain skills and experiences in their chosen fields, we contribute to the creation of thriving, vibrant communities where people want to live, work and invest.”

To apply, students must start their first year of full-time on-campus tertiary study in 2025 and relocate due to study commitments.

There is no preferred field of study – past students have enrolled in courses ranging from agricultural science to nursing, medicine, engineering, journalism and commerce.

Previous scholar Hamish Smith is halfway through his Bachelor of Agriculture/Bachelor of Business at the University of New England (UNE) at Armidale.

He recently took up an opportunity to travel with 28 fellow university students to California, Colorado, Wyoming and Texas.

“In April, I went on an agribusiness study tour through UNE,” he said. “It was my first time overseas.

“We visited farms, agricultural processors, water management facilities, research centres, input suppliers, training centres and entrepreneurs.”

Mr Smith used his scholarship funds to help pay for the trip as well as his tuition fees for the semester.

“This has made a substantial difference to me as it has allowed me to focus more closely on my studies without worrying about needing to earn as much money to pay for my tuition fees,” he said.

“Moreover, it has allowed me to get closer to my career goals and ultimately contribute to the Victorian dairy industry.”

Successful applicants need to demonstrate their intended future contributions to the dairy industry and communities, as well as describe their community involvement and academic achievements.

Applications for a scholarship must be submitted by 5pm on Monday 25 November at gardinerfoundation.com.au/ts