Gardiner Dairy Foundation Chief Executive, Mary Harney, said “the Gardiner Dairy Foundation’s vision is to continue to invest in emerging leaders and practices to help develop a long-term future for the dairy industry. Supporting rural people beginning tertiary study contributes to achieving this vision.

“Our tertiary scholarships alleviate the financial stress associated with study, giving rural Victorians an opportunity to gain a valuable education and pursue a career that will strengthen the state’s dairy industry, as well as their own communities,” said Ms Harney.

Samantha Conn from Hedley in Victoria was awarded a Gardiner Dairy Foundation tertiary scholarship in 2015 and has gone on to study a double degree of Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Property and Real Estate at Deakin University.
“The Gardiner Dairy Foundation’s support helped me to leave home to pursue a career in business. “I’m looking forward to returning to Gippsland where I can use my skills in a business that services agriculture. I’ve always been involved with my community and it will be great to have a country lifestyle, as well as an interesting job,” said Ms. Conn.

To be eligible, applicants must commence full-time study at university or TAFE in 2016; reside in rural Victoria and be required to move away from home to study; and pursue a career that will benefit the dairy industry or small dairying communities.

Applications are now open and must be submitted online by 5pm on Sunday 8 November, 2015. For information about the Gardiner Dairy Foundation’s tertiary scholarships or to download an application form, visit www.gardinerfoundation.com.au/programs/scholarship.htm. Completed applications must be sent to scholarships@gardinerfoundation.com.au.