THE Gardiner Foundation has opened applications for its tertiary scholarships, which will be awarded to three rural Victorians pursuing careers that will benefit the state’s dairy industry.
Students from rural Victoria commencing full-time study at university or TAFE in 2015 are encouraged to enter the Gardiner Foundation program to receive $5000 per year to go towards course fees.
Gardiner Foundation chief executive, Mary Harney said the Gardiner Foundation is committed to investing in emerging leaders to help develop a long-term future for the dairy industry.
“Students from rural Australia are less likely to complete further education courses, which can lead to a shortage of skills and qualifications in their local communities.
“The Gardiner Foundation’s 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.
Hayden Jones from Lima South in Victoria was awarded a Gardiner Foundation tertiary scholarship in 2013 and has gone on to study Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery at Monash University.
“The Gardiner Foundation’s support helped me to leave home to pursue a career in medicine.
“I’m looking forward to returning home to commence a career in medicine, where I hope to strengthen my community and share my knowledge with others,” said Mr Jones.
The three scholarships are named in honour of Bill Pyle, Doug Weir and Jacob Malmo, who each played a significant role in the Victorian dairy industry.
