FOR THE AUSTRALIAN WINE INDUSTRY
The Macquarie Group Sydney Royal Wine Show has partnered with The Royal Agricultural Society of NSW Foundation (RAS Foundation), with a vision to assist the development of Australia’s next generation of wine industry leaders.
The RAS Foundation is now in search of students who are passionate about forging careers in the Australian wine industry and who need funding assistance to make their dream a reality.
The Graham Thorp Scholarship, created in honour of the past Chairman of the Sydney Royal Wine Committee (1984 – 1990), is the first in what’s planned to be a suite of Sydney Royal Wine scholarships.
Sydney Royal Wine Show committee Chair Lyndey Milan said the Sydney Royal Wine committee is committed to supporting the industry at the grassroots level and fulfilling the RAS charter of promoting education in agriculture. “Students who are passionate about forging a career across a broad range of skills can apply. Careers can include but are not limited to; vineyard manager, winemaker, lab technician, cellar door manager, sommelier, wine specific marketing and journalism professionals,” said Ms Milan.
RAS Foundation Executive Officer, Jocellin Jansson said the scholarship aims to reduce some of the financial challenges students often face when it comes to pursuing their education and training goals. “The Graham Thorp Scholarship will provide vital support and help foster opportunities for students who are passionate about pursuing careers which will make a positive contribution to the local wine industry.”
The Graham Thorp Scholarship offers $5,000 for full-time study and $1,500 for part-time study. The successful scholarship recipient will also be provided with the opportunity to steward at the 2014 Macquarie Group Sydney Royal Wine Show. “Stewarding at the Wine Show will not only provide a rare insight into the judging of wines from around the country, the recipient will also have the opportunity to network with leading wine makers, wine critics, retailers and wine writers from Australia and the world,” said Ms Milan
Applicants simply need to fill in the online application form found at www.rasf.org.au explaining why they are passionate about the Australian Wine Industry and how they want to play a part in its future. Applications close November 15th and the Scholarship will be awarded in February 2013. The Graham Thorp Scholarship is open to Permanent Residents and Citizens currently residing in Australia. Originally introduced in 2004, the Graham Thorp Scholarship was previously awarded to a Winemaker nominated by the Exhibitor of the best Sparkling White Wine of Show. The Wine Committee would like to thank the former supporters of the scholarship who helped sponsor a visit to Champagne during Vintage; The Institute OEnelogique de Champagne and their Australian agent Pipwin Pty Lt, and the Comite Interprofessional du Vin de Champagne.
Past recipients of the Scholarship include Carrie Belei from Yellowglen Vineyards, Joanna Marsh from Seppelt & Sons, Brendan Schmoock from Yarra Burn and Nick Bowen form Starvedog Land. “Whilst this was an amazing opportunity, it was identified that due to the small number of fine sparkling winemakers in Australia only a limited number of producers were in the running to win the award,” said Ms Milan. “We’re thrilled that the scope of this scholarship has been broadened to now support any student wishing to pursue a career in the Australian wine industry.”
