Cootamundra's Cassandra Bush has been selected as one of 19 Rural Bank Scholarship recipients who will receive financial support to the value of $5,000, to help kick-start their careers in the agriculture sector.
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Growing up on a beef cattle and mixed grazing property, Cassandra has always had an attachment to the land and a passion for agriculture.
Through witnessing first-hand the impacts of drought on farmers, rural communities and the Australian agricultural sector, Cassandra has a strong interest in agricultural sustainability.
Cassandra has chosen to undertake a double degree in Agriculture and Law at the University of New England and intends to undertake work placements with agricultural producers, processors and/or distributors during university holidays in order to obtain valuable experience.
After completing her studies, Cassandra hopes to gain employment in a position which will enable her to effectively contribute to the future of the Australian agricultural industry.
Her aspiration is to improve producers' productivity and profitability, as well as making food products safe for all consumers.
The $5,000 scholarship will assist Cassie with the commencement of her studies including course costs, study materials and equipment.
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The scholarship program provides students with financial support to help them thrive in their chosen field of study, at institutions across Australia.
The scholarship recipients, who are undertaking courses in agricultural sciences, veterinary sciences, biology, health science, business and engineering, will ensure the future prosperity of Australia's agricultural sector.
This year's recipients are made up of 14 females and five males from regional and rural communities in Queensland, South Australia, New South Wales, Western Australia and Victoria.
A number of scholarship recipients are from families and communities that have been affected by the devastation caused by drought and the bushfire crisis.
Alexandra Gartmann, CEO of Rural Bank said supporting the next generation of regional and rural leaders is an ongoing commitment the bank is proud to continue.
"Rural Bank's ability to support young regional and rural Australians is more important now than it has ever been," Ms Gartmann said.
"The prolonged drought and devastating summer bushfires reinforce why this program is so vital. These scholarships are an important step towards easing the financial strain many families feel when a member of the family begins tertiary study.
"These students are furthering their education in such a challenging environment, with many of them tasked with continuing their studies online due to the global pandemic and movement restrictions.
"I am constantly amazed by the talent of our scholarship recipients, and their determination to pursue tertiary education. I look forward to seeing how they will invest their capabilities to grow our agricultural sector."
