On offer is financial assistance of up to $30,000 for tertiary study, along with significant opportunities for work experience and employment placement in the rice sector.
Applications are now open for the scholarship, which is an initiative of the SunRice Group in honour of Jan Cathcart and her invaluable contribution to the rice industry during her 43-year career with the company.
The SunRice Group offers financial assistance valued at $10,000 a year for up to three years of tertiary study through the scholarship.
SunRice Group chairman Laurie Arthur described the scholarship as an ideal opportunity to help shape the future of the rice industry.
‘‘Since SunRice introduced the Jan Cathcart Scholarship in 2014, we’ve seen many of the recipients take on significant roles in the rice industry and agriculture in general,’’ Mr Arthur said.
‘‘Through this scholarship, which honours one of our industry’s great contributors, we have supported the professional development and career paths of women who are now also contributing to this sector, which is a wonderful achievement.’’
Deniliquin’s Alexandra Morona received the 2020 scholarship and is currently studying animal science at Wagga Wagga’s Charles Sturt University.
She said the scholarship had provided significant support in terms of finance and networks.
Although she was planning to undertake work experience with SunRice’s CopRice business unit earlier this year, the global COVID-19 pandemic resulted in postponement. She now hopes to experience working in those operations over summer.
‘‘Learning how to utilise the complementary relationship between animals and crops for optimal production and sustainability has long been an interest of mine, and I am most passionate about developing this line of research,’’ Miss Morona said.
‘‘The future of agriculture requires innovation which will contribute to the longevity and sustainability of the industry, and I am proud to say this is what the Jan Cathcart Scholarship has afforded me the opportunity to explore.’’
Berrigan’s Annabel Arnold, the 2018 scholarship recipient, is undertaking a two-year graduate program with SunRice, currently completing her first rotation with the marketing division in Sydney.
She said the work experience she had already gained through the scholarship opened her eyes to future job prospects and, after growing up on a Riverina rice farm, she now has the opportunity to explore other parts of the SunRice business.
‘‘Marketing is a highly dynamic environment where you get visibility across different portfolios and markets, and the ability to work with cross-functional teams.
‘‘This has shown me another side of the rice growing industry, and further opportunities for my long-term career development.’’
The scholarship is open to female SunRice shareholders, growers and employees and their extended families.
Women from across the rice industry’s networks are also encouraged to apply, or to nominate other eligible women who would benefit from the program.
Eligible students include those currently studying at university or new students attending their first year of tertiary studies in 2021.
Applications close on Monday, November 16, with the winner to be announced in early 2021.
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