Awards and Scholarships

RGA awards and scholarships

The RGA recognises and celebrates those who’ve made a significant contribution to the rice industry. It also provides scholarships to assist growers and their families.

Growers, environmental champions and young achievers receive awards at the RGA Annual Conference, held in August each year.

RGA award winners:

Greg Graham Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship supports the agricultural education of members of the RGA, or their family.

The successful applicant receives a grant to the value of $4,000 to assist in studying a full-time, agriculture-based course at any Australian tertiary institution.

Eligibiltiy Criteria:

Applicants must be the children or grandchildren of current financial members of RGA.
Applicants must be in their second or successive year of studying an agricultural related course at an Australian tertiary institution;
Applicants need to demonstrate a commitment to the rice industry.

Previous winners:

The 2012 award was given to Laura Kaylock of Moulamein
The 2011 award was given to Gabriella Morona of Deniliquin
The 2010 award was given to Mitchell Marks of Leeton (Yanco Branch)
The 2009 award was given to Rachel Kelly of Coleambally
The 2007 award was given to Antony Vagg of Bunnaloo
The 2006 award was given to Alexander Schultz of Mayrung
The 2005 award was given to Gemma Gordon of Barham
The 2004 award was given to Lydia Gorey of Moulamein
The 2003 award was given to Steven Jarrott of Mayrung

Application forms are available at http://www.rga.org.au/f.ashx/Greg-Graham-Application-Form-2012.pdf or by phoning the RGA on (02) 6953 0433 or email rga@rga.org.au .

Peter Connor Book Award

This award is delivered in conjunction with the Greg Graham Memorial Scholarship to the runner-up and will provide $1,300 for the purchase of books.

Previous winners:

The 2012 award was given to Nick Atkinson of Finley
The 2011 award was given to Jonathon Alexander of Barham
The 2010 award was given to Edward Jones of Bomaderry (Yanco Branch)
The 2009 award was given to Mitchell Marks of Leeton
The 2007 award was given to Richard Malone of Finley
The 2006 award was given to David Jarrott of Mayrung
The 2005 award was given to Anthony Thomas of Barham
The 2004 award was given to Bryony Green of Deniliquin
The 2003 award was given to Robert Ryan of Berrigan

RIRDC Horizon Scholarships

A scholarship for those passionate about agriculture

Agriculture offers the most dynamic and diversified number of career pathways of any industry in Australia.

Across agriculture there is a hugely diverse range of jobs on offer for university graduates, including disciplines like biochemistry, agricultural engineering, in-field agronomy, policy advice, investment analysis, and industrial relations to name just a few.

Careers in agriculture can take you to work on farms, in laboratories and in city skyscrapers.

With the pressures on agricultural production to address the challenge of feeding a rapidly growing global population and with a changing climate affecting productivity, agriculture will become an increasingly valuable career pathway with a high take up of new technology and innovation.

The Horizon Scholarship has been developed to support the next generation of agricultural leaders, who will take up the challenge of farming for the future.

RIRDC is looking for young people who are passionate about agriculture, with a keen interest in the future of our industries and who are ready to expand their networks and learn new skills.

If this sounds like you, download Horizon Scholarship brochure and application.pdf to apply for an Horizon Scholarship.

About the Horizon Scholarship

The Horizon Scholarship is an initiative of the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) that, in partnership with industry sponsors, supports undergraduates studying agriculture at university by providing:

An bursary of $5,000 per year for the duration of their degree
Mentoring partnerships with university faculty members and industry leaders
Professional development workshops
Annual industry work placements that give students first-hand exposure to modern agricultural practices, and
Opportunities to network and gain knowledge at a range of industry events.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the Horizon Scholarship students must be entering their first year of university, studying a degree related to agriculture, such as:

Agricultural Science
Rural Science
Livestock/Animal Science
Veterinary Science
Agribusiness

Scholarship recipients will be selected on the basis of their commitment to a career in agriculture, as well as their leadership potential and high school academic record.

How to apply

An interactive PDF application form can be downloaded by clicking here: Horizon Scholarship brochure and application.pdf or by contacting RIRDC on (02) 6271 4100.

Deadline for this year's applications is 1 February 2012.

Further information:

Victoria Taylor
The Horizon Scholarship Coordinator
Ph: 0417 466 234
Email: victoria@flourishcommunication.com.au

Environmental Champions Program Award 2010

Paul Martin, Barham

Paul and his wife Debbie run a mixed cropping enterprise including rice, cereals and some cattle. The Martins have been actively involved in the Murray Land and Water Management Plans with a keen interest to ensure their farm is sustainable agriculturally and environmentally. They’re focused on production from their most valuable irrigation land, and balancing production and conservation in other areas.

Rice Grower of the Year 2010

Laurie Arthur and Nick Lowing, Moulamein

The Rice Grower of the Year Award was won jointly by Laurie Arthur and Nick Lowing. Laurie and his wife Debbie, and Nick, his wife Kerry and son Robert, farm separately at Moulamein in the Murray Valley. In the past year, Laurie and Nick have formed a partnership and embarked on a five year commitment to grow rice at Kununurra in the Ord River irrigation scheme in Western Australia. This joint award recognises their efforts to supplement their Riverina operations by pioneering the reintroduction of rice to the Ord - although both will still continue to grow rice in the Murray Valley when water is available.

Young Achiever of the Year 2010

Drew Braithwaite, Benerembah

Drew is involved in the family farming business and also works as a commercial agronomist with irrigated and dryland farmers in the Murrumbidgee and Lachlan Valleys. Drew is working towards a profitable farming business, which is both sustainable and efficient. A significant part of his goal is to maximise the return to farmers through marketing of product and marketing arrangements. He is passionate about educating the wider public of the importance of agriculture.