Southern Riverina youth Alexandra Williams has won the $12,000 Greenham Dairy Scholarship.
In her first year of a double degree in Medical Science and Arts at the Australian National University, the 18 year-old plans to use the money to fund her studies over the next four years.
Ms Williams said her primary goal is to give back to the rural farming communities that have through the years supported her family, based at Finley NSW.
“Those who work in the agricultural industry are the lifeblood of the region; however, there is a gross discrepancy in the quality and quantity of healthcare available to them compared to those living in city centres,” she said.
“There is also a growing prevalence of cardiovascular disease and other lifestyle related illnesses in our area. These types of trends can be addressed not only through treatment but through preventative measures like education and healthcare support initiatives.”
Ms Williams grew up on a 24-hectare crop farm and her father Ian manages another combined cropping and stock farm of some 200ha.
Her “ultimate aim” is to provide reliable and high quality healthcare to residents of farming communities.
“Doctors are regarded as community leaders and it’s so important they are able to engage with and understand rural issues and considerations,” she said.
“In particular, the most recent drought had a real impact on the region and it seemed like the towns didn’t have the resources to cope. Doctors were coming and going and there was minimal integration with wider community services.”
Ms Williams was thrilled to be awarded the scholarship and said the funds would allow her undertake the medical degree and help with transport costs for the on-farm work experience as well.
Executive chairman of HW Greenham & Sons Peter Greenham said the company offered the scholarship to encourage future leaders.
“This is the first time we have awarded the prize to someone outside of the direct field of dairy but the judges have seen something very special in Alexandra,” Mr Greenham said.
Among the criteria considered are personal and academic achievements, the potential benefits and relevance of the chosen study area or career path to the Australian beef and dairy industries and how important the scholarship might be in helping the applicant realise his or her ambitions.
