Applications are now open for the annual Gardiner Dairy Foundation Tertiary Scholarships which offer $10,000 per annum in funding to support the recipients’ university degree or TAFE course.
The 2017 Gardiner Dairy Foundation Tertiary Scholarships give young people who live in Victorian dairy communities the opportunity to pursue formal studies and training to directly benefit these communities.
Gardiner Dairy Foundation Chief Executive, Mary Harney, said the scholarship program has been operating since 2007 and has proven to be an effective way to support the local dairy industry.
“Individuals in rural and regional communities can often be deterred from tertiary study as universities and TAFEs are predominantly based in metropolitan areas. Through the disbursement of scholarships, Gardiner Dairy Foundation hopes to assist students to attain qualifications that will positively impact the dairy industry and the local community,” said Ms Harney.
Amber Angel, a recipient from the 2016 scholarship program, is currently completing a Bachelor in Nursing at La Trobe University in Bendigo and comes from the small town of Kerang in the state’s north-west.
“I feel privileged to have been awarded a Gardiner Dairy Foundation Tertiary Scholarship because I have been able to learn new skills and can now further my career for the benefit of my local community.
“Health services are often lacking in regional Australia and I look forward to being able to make a positive contribution back to my community,” said Ms Angel.
To be eligible for the scholarship applicants must be starting their first year of full-time study at a University or TAFE in 2017, they must live in a Victorian dairy community and are required to live away from home to complete their studies.
Applications are now open and must be submitted online by 5pm on Sunday, 7 November, 2016.
For information about the Gardiner Dairy Foundation’s tertiary scholarships or to download an application form, visit www.gardinerfoundation.com.au/current-projects-community/#TertScholars. Completed applications must be sent to scholarships@gardinerfoundation.com.au.