Community
6 February, 2025
Funds flow to enhance agricultural education
EIGHT students from Victorian dairy regions commencing their first year of tertiary study in 2025 have been honoured with scholarships from the Gardiner Foundation.
After receiving a record number of applicants, Gardiner Foundation have awarded an extra scholarship this year.
The 2025 Gardiner Foundation Tertiary Scholars are: Chris Dwyer, Newry (Bill Pyle scholarship); Scarlett Southern, Leitchville (Shirley Harlock scholarship); Sage Anderson, Fish Creek (Doug Weir scholarship) and Anna Dickson, Garvoc (Jakob Malmo scholarship).
Ms Dickson grew up on a dairy farm in Garvoc, and is off to study a Bachelor of Animal and Vet BioScience at La Trobe in Melbourne.
She has a passion for bovine nutrition and aspirations to work in animal nutrition or return to run her own dairy farm.
In addition, Ms Dickson also recently won Junior Champion with her Illawarra Red at International Dairy Week.
The 2025 Niel Black scholars are Shaye Brown, Kongwak; Ryan Smith, Tongala; Georgia Anderson, Denison; and Ella Harwood, Colac.
Each scholar will receive $10,000 annually for three years to support costs associated with their studies. These scholarships are granted to students accepted into courses that will benefit the Victorian dairy industry or dairy communities.
Gardiner Foundation chief executive officer Allan Cameron said the program encourages students to return to Victoria’s dairy regions upon graduation or after gaining work experience, which ensures a diverse range of essential skills within these regions.
“For 25 years, Gardiner Foundation has been committed to building a strong future for Victorian dairy,” he said.
“Our tertiary scholarships empower young people with the skills and knowledge to drive innovation, sustainability, and prosperity in their communities.
“Gardiner is proud to provide students with the opportunity to gain their tertiary qualifications without some of the financial constraints that can often exist for students from the country.”
There is no preferred field of study, with past students enrolling in a variety of courses, including agriculture science, nursing, medicine, engineering, journalism and commerce.
Since the launch of its Tertiary Scholarship Program in 2008, Gardiner Foundation has awarded 90 scholarships with a total investment exceeding $2.1 million.
“These scholarships are more than an investment in education—they are an investment in the future of our dairy regions,” Mr Cameron said.
“By supporting the best and brightest young minds, we are strengthening the communities and industries that make Victorian dairy thrive.”
The scholarships are named in honor of industry giants including Noorat’s Niel Black, in addition to Shirley Harlock, Jakob Malmo, Bill Pyle, and Doug Weir.
“These individuals epitomise dedication, innovation and leadership in the dairy sector,” Mr Cameron said.
For more information visit www.gardinerfoundation.com.au/ts.
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