LEETON'S Charlie Reilly will be able to give her studies an extra kick along after being named this year's recipient of the SunRice Jan Cathcart Scholarship.
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The scholarship of up to $30,000 will support Ms Reilly's university studies.
This year, Ms Reilly is entering her second year of a Bachelor of Law degree majoring in Commerce Law at Notre Dame University.
In presenting the scholarship at a celebratory dinner in Leeton, SunRice Group chairman Laurie Arthur was thrilled the money would help Ms Reilly with her career dreams.
"Charlie, like all our scholarship recipients, has agriculture and the rice industry at the centre of her plans for the future, demonstrating a commitment to the sector which is aligned with the Jan Cathcart Scholarship," he said.
"Over a 43-year period, Jan made an enormous contribution to the rice industry, paving the way for other women in her field, and each year SunRice is pleased to have the opportunity to honour this commitment.
"This scholarship has always been a wonderful chance for SunRice to invest in the future of the industry."
Now in its seventh year, the scholarship is designed to provide Ms Reilly, and all recipients, with financial support and hands-on industry experience to assist them in achieving their career goals.
On accepting the award, Ms Reilly said both her parents worked with and had great respect for Ms Cathcart and what she did for the rice industry.
"So, I am very privileged to receive a scholarship in her name," she said.
"I've been lucky enough to have parents who are great role models both as corporate citizens in the agriculture sector and community members.
"They have encouraged me to always strive to make a difference to my community.
"With the help of the Jan Cathcart Scholarship, I plan to return to rural Australia in a commercial or corporate role within the rice industry once I finish my degree.
"Agriculture is in my family's blood and I'm particularly passionate about women having a more prominent role.
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"Through growing up in a rural community with professional parents, I have seen first had how financial and legal skills are crucial for agribusiness. I am passionate about combining my skills and developing a career in agriculture."
Valued at $10,000 a year for up to three years of tertiary study, the scholarship is designed to support women pursuing a career in agriculture, and has been awarded to eight other recipients to date.
They are:
- 2020: Alexandra Morona, from a rice farm near Deniliquin.
- 2019: Emily Fasham, from a rice farm near Wakool.
- 2018: Annabel Arnold, from a rice farm in Berrigan.
- 2017: Sarah Cudmore, from a mixed farming property at Benerembah.
- 2016: Millie Mertz, from a rice farm in Moulamein and Elise Wilson, from a rice farm in Coleambally.
- 2015: Samantha Glenn, from a rice farm in Moulamein and Zoe Reynoldson, from a rice farm in Berrigan.