A partnership for Poppy

A unique partnership between the Stand Like Stone Foundation and Viterra will bring new opportunities for students within the Limestone Coast looking to study courses relating to the Agricultural sector.

The Poppy Crozier Memorial Scholarship was established with Stand Like Stone 18 months ago by the Crozier Family after a tragic road accident road took the life of their daughter Poppy.

In the days following the accident the Charlie and Asha Crozier were embraced by their local upper southeast community and were inundated with kind offers to support them.

“In the worst possible circumstances, we were incredibly fortunate that there were people around us making sure we had anything and everything we needed,” Asha said. “We knew that there was a desire for people to be doing something, so we wanted that energy to be able to go somewhere good and do some good.”

In the face of their grief and the outpouring of kindness and offers of support from the community came a desire to create something positive.

Through a family friend and past foundation director, the Croziers approached Stand Like Stone to facilitate a legacy fund for Poppy.

The following day, the Poppy Crozier Memorial Sub Fund was open to receive donations and since then, the fund has grown to over $103,000, with donations coming from all over Australia.

Incredibly determined and independent, Poppy had a strong sense of self and was studying Agricultural Science at the time of the accident.

Her love of farming and the Crozier’s connection to the land led them to establishing the Poppy Crozier Memorial Scholarship which will provide support to students with a connection to the Limestone Coast, to undertake studies relating to the agricultural sector.

Poppy had worked in the grower services team for Viterra at their Adelaide head office, prompting Viterra to consider work placement opportunities that could be offered as part of the scholarship.

Viterra General Manager Human Resources Alyson Gilbey said Viterra was proud to be supporting the Stand Like Stone Poppy Crozier Memorial Scholarship.

“Poppy was a well-loved member of our harvest grower services team, and her loss was felt by all who knew her. Her parents’ desire to give back to their local community with this scholarship in inspiring, and something we’re grateful to be able to be a part of.” Alyson says

As part of Viterra’s support for the foundation, the company is offering a work experience opportunity to the scholarship recipient.

“This work experience will be completely tailored to the individual, meaning they can choose to work in any department across our business that interests them, this includes office or site locations. It’s a great opportunity for a young person to gain exposure to a world-leading agriculture business, while receiving guidance in a supportive team environment”.

“Creating career development opportunities in regional South Australia is a focus for Viterra, and we look forward to working with Stand Like Stone to expand the industry placement component of the scholarship in future years,” Alyson said.

Stand Like Stone Chair Georgie McKay said the partnership with Viterra provides a unique opportunity for a student to gain practical experience as part of their studies.

“Work placements are such a vital part of advancing a student’s career and we are honoured to be able to create this unique scholarship opportunity in Poppy’s memory,” Mrs McKay said.

The tailored work experience opportunity will be offered along with scholarship funding in 2025 and the Crozier family will work with Stand Like Stone and Viterra to expand the offering in future years.

“We are touched by the generosity and kindness in honouring Poppy and keeping her memory alive,” said Charlie Crozier. “The scholarship has such potential to make a difference for country kids, communities and the agricultural sector.”

The Stand Like Stone educational scholarships for the 2025 school year are currently open for applications and close November 30.

For further details, including application forms, go to http://www.standlikestone.com.au

PHOTO COURTESY OF SARAH CUNNINGHAM