Twenty-five regional and rural students, including UNE students Hamish Green, Corey Cutler and Lucy McGilvray have received funding support to pursue tertiary education through the Rural Bank’s Scholarship Program.

This year, Rural Bank has expanded its annual program to support 10 students specifically from communities directly affected by the ongoing drought, in addition to 15 scholarships awarded to regional and rural students across Australia (many of whom have also experienced the impact of drought and dry conditions).

The first-time undergraduate students will each receive $5,000 to go towards their tertiary studies and their dream of contributing to the future prosperity of Australia’s agricultural sector.

Hamish Green 

Bachelor of Agribusiness

Hamish grew up on a mixed farming operation (cattle, sheep, grain and a finishing feedlot) which has been in his family for 85 years. The farm has been drought declared for several years, and this has contributed to Hamish’s belief in the importance of sustainable farming and agricultural practices.

Hamish is undertaking a Bachelor of Agribusiness at UNE and is planning a career in cattle production, focusing either in feedlots or the meat sector within the food industry.

Hamish believes that the Australian industry has the potential to produce the best meat in the world, and his goal is to help strengthen Australia’s global position in the market while finding new ways to increase productivity and manage the effects of drought.

Corey Cutler

Bachelor of Rural Science

Growing up in the rural area around Bellingen, Corey studied agriculture at high school and has always been aware of farming’s significance to regional Australia. Through working on his grandfather’s farm and his first job as a farm hand on a fruit farm, Corey has developed an interest in plant and animal genetics.

Corey has enrolled in a Bachelor of Rural Science, and subsequently hopes to take up a research or advisory role as an agronomist. Working within animal and plant production systems, his aim is to assist farmers in improving production.

Whilst not from a drought affected region, Corey co-ordinated drought fundraising at school and has a broad knowledge of the effects of drought on Australian agriculture.

Lucy McGilvray

Bachelor of Agriculture/Bachelor of Business

Lucy’s love for the agricultural sector, and particularly the cattle industry, was nurtured during her upbringing on an isolated property in South West Queensland and strengthened during her gap year when she worked as a cattle station hand and contract mustering.

Experiencing the grit and determination of her community through the six tough years of drought has fostered Lucy’s deep respect for the resilience of agricultural workers and inspired her to enrol in a duel Bachelor of Agriculture and Bachelor of Business degree.

During her studies, Lucy hopes to find employment on a sheep or cattle station and secure holiday work harvesting to diversify her knowledge base.

To learn more about the 2019 Rural Bank Scholarship Program and recipients, visit: www.ruralbank.com.au/scholarship