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Articles and stories about the RAS Foundations and its grant and scholarship recipients

Articles and stories about the RAS Foundations and its  grant and scholarship recipients

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Bright Leaders, bright futures

27 Apr 2018

Left to Right. Michael Millner (Chair, RAS Foundation), Rob Witts, Gunnedah, Katrina Thomas, Condobolin, Naomi Kauter, Gresford, Elizabeth Munn, Leeton, Megan Coyle, Walbundrie, Claire Johnson, Crookwell and Cecilia Logan (Manager, RAS Foundation)   Six bright leaders from regional and rural NSW were awarded RAS Foundation Community Futures Grants at the Foundation’s Rural Scholar’s Morning Tea during the Sydney Royal Easter Show with just under $100,000 shared amongst the group. Through sales of the Foundation Ag Bag and other activations at the Show, the RAS Foundation is able to offer these grants to community-minded individuals who are willing to partner with a community organisation in their local area.  Since 2010 the RASF Community Futures Grant program has invested more than $700,000 into rural and regional communities across NSW through this program. Applications for the 2019 Community Futures program will open in December 2018.   Elizabeth Munn - Leeton Partner: Leeton Show Society Project: Young Farmer’s Challenge Trailer Elizabeth Munn’s project will see her build a Young Farmer’s Challenge trailer for use by the communities in her zone so that more shows can compete in this event. The ultimate test of skill and ability, the Young Farmers Challenge gives young people the chance to showcase their expertise in a series of on-farm tasks. This can be anything from animal handling to fencing, driving tractors, putting out fires, first aid, heavy lifting and transport challenges. Elizabeth is very keen to get young people involved at community level and is positive the Leeton Young Farmer’s Challenge Trailer will get well used in the Leeton and surrounding areas.   Claire Johnson - Crookwell Partner: Crookwell AP & H Society Project: New Cattle Shed Young cattle committee member Claire Johnson knows that the new cattle shed she and her committee build will be of great benefit to the Upper Lachlan Shire cattle producing community.  With an increase in entries in the stud cattle competition this new facility will be more than adequate to accommodate these numbers and host a variety of other events throughout the year, bringing further economic benefit to the wider community.   Megan Coyle - Walbundrie Partner: Walbundrie Show Society Project: Multi-purpose Equestrian Arena The Walbundrie Show is a popular event within the Walbundrie community and has a very well patronised horse section.  Megan Coyle’s application to improve the facilities for horse events at the showground will see her hardworking group of local volunteers building a purpose-built arena with proper drainage and fencing which can be used for other events outside of Show.   Rob Witts - Gunnedah Partner: Gunnedah Show Society Project: Upgrade of Showground Kitchen and Servery Local farmer and Gunnedah Show Society President, Rob Witts, acknowledges that with over 50,000 patrons attending the various events held at Gunnedah Showground the current facilities are far from adequate. Rob and his team of skilled volunteers plan to upgrade the makeshift facilities so that they can better cater for the many events held at the Showground and provide a workable space for those working in the kitchen.   Katrina Thomas - Condobolin Partner: Condobolin High School P & C Association Project: CHS Agriculture – Rebuilding to Learn for Tomorrow Condobolin High School agricultural science teacher Katrina Thomas and her fiercely determined colleagues are focused on improving the ageing agricultural facilities at Condobolin High School. Katrina wants to create a positive and safe learning space for students with an all-purpose shed, chicken enclosure, hot house and aquaponics set up. Ultimately Katrina and her students hope to set up two small enterprises, a chicken breeding and vegetable/plant seedling enterprise.    Naomi Kauter - Gresford Partner: Gresford District Agricultural Society   Project: Stable Block Restoration The deterioration of the Gresford Showground stable block has meant that the facility is not being used to its full potential. Naomi Kauter plans on changing this by replacing the rafters and roof and installing water tanks to collect water for reuse. Naomi is sure that the new stable block, in conjunction with existing facilities, will attract out of area organisations who wish to host horse-related events in Gresford. Naomi has a well-thought-out project plan that will make use of local volunteers on weekends to complete the project over sixteen weeks. Read more

Cudal’s Katrina Nash Wins JB Fairfax Rural Journalism Scholarship

27 Mar 2018

21-year-old Katrina Nash of Cudal, NSW has won the 2018 Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS) JB Fairfax Award for Rural Journalism. Ms Nash, a fourth-year Law and Communications student at the University of Newcastle, was presented with her award at a ceremony at the Sydney Royal Easter Show at Sydney Showground. Now in its tenth year, the highly-regarded scholarship is awarded to a journalist who displays a keen interest in reporting on issues concerning the present and future of regional communities. Created in 2008 by Mr John B Fairfax AO, the award program is continued each year by the RAS Foundation and includes a $7,500 cash prize alongside industry experience at the Sydney Royal Easter Show Media Centre and Fairfax Agricultural Media. Ms Nash said on Sunday that the award will be of immeasurable benefit to her career. “To not only be given a financial scholarship to help eliminate the burden of living away from home, but also the opportunity to intern with an extensive list of well-respected media organisations, will have the most incredible impact on my degree,” she said. Rural journalism has always been an aspiration for Ms Nash, who notes her rural upbringing as the primary motivation in determining her career choice. “I was fortunate enough to have been a part of such a close-knit community growing up, that being Cudal. ‘As such, I understand how important rural journalists are for the vitality of rural communities,” she said.  RAS Foundation Manager Cecilia Logan said that it was Katrina’s ongoing passion for the industry that earned her the winner’s prize. “Katrina was also a 2017 RASF Rural Scholar and, upon graduation, hopes to move back to the Central West as a journalist. “She recognises the need for greater discussion regarding regional issues,” Ms Logan said. Katrina is currently undergoing practical experience through her scholarship, and is continually inspired by the need for bigger regional stories. “I aim to utilise the power of the media that bring to light issues that not just impact regional communities, but all individuals. “Stories that encompass resilience, determination and compassion are all aspects of regional Australia that I want to report on,” she said. The RAS Foundation is a non-for-profit organisation that aims to strengthen rural and regional communities through supporting various scholarships and community grants. Visit www.rasf.org.au for more information on the RAS Foundation. ENDS   For further information please contact: Roger White – Manager, Public Relations RAS of NSW M: 0478 092 425 E: rwhite@rasnsw.com.au Read more

RAS Foundation Media Release

27 Mar 2018

MORE RASF GRANTS SUPPORT REGIONAL NSW COMMUNITIES 28 March 2018 Six bright leaders from regional and rural NSW will share $98,000 in funding via to the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW Foundation (RAS Foundation) Community Futures Grant Program. Elizabeth Munn from Leeton, Claire Johnson from Crookwell, Megan Coyle from Walbundrie, Rob Witts from Gunnedah, Katrina Thomas from Condobolin and Naomi Kauter from Gresford will each receive a grant from the RAS Foundation, up to a value of $25,000, to help fund a community project within their local area. RAS Foundation Manager, Cecilia Logan, said that although this grant once carried an age limit of 35, it had since been lifted, however the Foundation remains committed to fostering youth leadership and earmarks a portion of the available grant funding each year to projects driven by young people. “The RAS selection panel was impressed with how passionate our current batch of young rural people are in embracing the opportunity to bring their ideas to life through this program,” Ms Logan said. “The program allows young individuals to take on a role of leadership within their community. “Through sales of the Foundation Ag Bag at the Sydney Royal Easter Show, the RAS Foundation can champion young Australians as they rise to meet challenges and shape the future of regional and rural NSW,” Cecilia Logan said. Since the RASF Community Futures Grant program began in 2010, more than $700,000 has been invested into rural and regional communities across NSW .   RAS Foundation Community Futures Grants Recipients for 2018 are: Elizabeth Munn - Leeton Partner: Leeton Show Society Project: Young Farmer’s Challenge Trailer Elizabeth Munn’s project will see her build a Young Farmer’s Challenge trailer for use by the communities in her zone so that more shows can compete in this event. The ultimate test of skill and ability, the Young Farmers Challenge gives young people the chance to showcase their expertise in a series of on-farm tasks. This can be anything from animal handling to fencing, driving tractors, putting out fires, first aid, heavy lifting and transport challenges. Elizabeth is very keen to get young people involved at community level and is positive the Leeton Young Farmer’s Challenge Trailer will get well used in the Leeton and surrounding areas.   Claire Johnson - Crookwell Partner: Crookwell AP & H Society Project: New Cattle Shed   Cattle committee member Claire Johnson knows that the new cattle shed she and her committee build will be of great benefit to the Upper Lachlan Shire cattle producing community.  With an increase in entries in the stud cattle competition this new facility will be more than adequate to accommodate these numbers and host a variety of other events throughout the year, bringing further economic benefit to the wider community. Megan Coyle - Walbundrie Partner: Walbundrie Show Society Project: Multi-purpose Equestrian Arena The Walbundrie Show is a popular event within the Walbundrie community and has a very well patronised horse section.  Megan Coyle’s application to improve the facilities for horse events at the showground will see her hardworking group of local volunteers building a purpose-built arena with proper drainage and fencing which can be used for other events outside of Show. Rob Witts - Gunnedah Partner: Gunnedah Show Society Project: Upgrade of Showground Kitchen and Servery Local farmer and Gunnedah Show Society President, Rob Witts, acknowledges that with over 50,000 patrons attending the various events held at Gunnedah Showground the current facilities are far from adequate. Rob and his team of skilled volunteers plan to upgrade the makeshift facilities so that they can better cater for the many events held at the Showground and provide a workable space for those working in the kitchen. Katrina Thomas - Condobolin Partner: Condobolin High School P & C Association Project: CHS Agriculture – Rebuilding to Learn for Tomorrow Condobolin High School agricultural science teacher Katrina Thomas and her fiercely determined colleagues are focused on improving the ageing agricultural facilities at Condobolin High School. Katrina wants to create a positive and safe learning space for students with an all-purpose shed, chicken enclosure, hot house and aquaponics set up. Ultimately Katrina and her students hope to set up two small enterprises, a chicken breeding and vegetable/plant seedling enterprise. Naomi Kauter - Gresford Partner: Gresford District Agricultural Society   Project: Stable Block Restoration The deterioration of the Gresford Showground stable block has meant that the facility is not being used to its full potential. Naomi Kauter plans on changing this by replacing the rafters and roof and installing water tanks to collect water for reuse. Naomi is sure that the new stable block, in conjunction with existing facilities, will attract out of area organisations who wish to host horse related events in Gresford. Naomi has a well-thought-out project plan that will make use of local volunteers on weekends to complete the project over sixteen weeks. The RAS Foundation is a charitable foundation that encourages educational opportunities and helps build strong and sustainable rural and regional communities through a range of targeted community grants and scholarships.   For further information, interview and high-res image requests please contact Roger White Manager, Public Relations M: 0478 092 425 E: rwhite@rasnsw.com.au Read more

RAS of NSW to support Herd of Hope Bondi Beach cattle drive

13 Feb 2018

The Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS) is proudly supporting Herd of Hope (HoH) in its unique cattle drive to raise awareness of the importance of organ donation in Australia and is urging other businesses and organisations to join the cause. Herd of Hope plans to muster 40 head of cattle on Bondi Beach on Saturday, March 17, 2018, each animal sponsored by individuals, companies or organisations to the tune of $1000. The RAS will sponsor three of the 40 animals. The cattle will be transported to Bondi then herded into a specially-erected enclosure on the southern end of Bondi Beach at daybreak where dignitaries and guests will gather to support the very important organ donation and transplant causes. At the end of the morning’s activities, the animals will be transported to their new home on a property near Goulburn, NSW. Sadly Australia has one of the lowest organ donation rates in the world at less than 20 donors per million registered and 1500 Australians waiting for a transplant at any given time. One in three organ and tissue recipients is from rural or regional NSW though every transplant is conducted in a tertiary hospital in a major city. “It is important to raise awareness of organ donation and the Herd of Hope charity is doing so in a unique way,” event organiser Lizzie Mazur said today. “Bringing cattle onto Bondi Beach will create conversations about the differences in living in the country to city life, raising the issue of access to health care and mental health services. "Through this event we want all Australians to discuss the positive impact organ and tissue donation has on people's lives. But we also want to highlight that if you live in rural and regional Australia the access to services is often limited. “Through our charity we will help those in rural areas have improved access to mental health support by developing initiatives for both donor families and transplant recipients. It is a very exciting time to make a positive change," Lizzie Mazur said. HoH is working with the Organ and Tissue authority to improve the support services available to donor families. Money raised will assist in establishing specialised grief camps for children affected through organ donation. Undoolya Station has offered its property in the North Territory to run the camps. Murray Wilton, General Manager Agriculture and Sydney Royal Easter Show has confirmed the RAS’ wholehearted support for the Herd of Hope campaign. “We at the RAS are pleased to be able to support Herd of Hope in this very important effort. “Support for rural and regional NSW is very much at the heart of what we are about and when approached by Herd of Hope organisers we were only too happy to be involved,” Murray Wilton said. Sponsorship of HoH cattle is still available via the website; www.herdofhope.com.au Ends Roger White Manager, Public Relations Royal Agricultural Society of NSW P: 02 9704 1453 E: rwhite@rasnsw.com.au Read more

All creatures great and small

13 Nov 2017

In the words of one of the most famous country veterinarians, James Herriot,  “Animals are unpredictable things so our whole life is unpredictable. It’s a long tale of little triumphs and disasters and you’ve got to really like it to stick to it.” With high hopes and aspirations, ten Rural Scholarship recipients will be enjoying the triumphs and experiencing the disasters of life as a veterinarian with thanks to the RAS Foundation ( RASF ). Universities offer 1029 students the opportunity to enrol to study Veterinary Science in New South Wales each year, with a total cost in excess of $250,000 for a degree with a starting salary of $44,053 upon graduation. It is a massive commitment, financially and time-wise, and more often than not requires a shift from home (two universities in NSW offer the course – Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga and the University of Sydney). The RASF is assisting students relocating from hometowns including Wollomombi (864 kms), Narooma (433 kms), Cobar (530 kms), Kandos (468 kms) and even Penrith (456 kms) to study at Charles Sturt University. Apart from distance, all have one other thing in common –the determination to contribute to rural NSW and regional communities as a country vet. With fifteen percent of the RASF Rural Scholarships awarded to Veterinary Science students, and thirteen percent going to Medical Science students, it is fair to conclude that many did pay attention to Dr James Herriot when he advised, “I hope to make people realise how totally helpless animals are, how dependent on us, trusting as a child must that we will be kind and take care of their needs.” Read more

Scholarships reopen to NSW VET students

8 Nov 2017

The Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS) Foundation is again supporting education in rural NSW throughscholarships of up to $6,000 for students studying Vocational Education Training (VET) courses. Read more

Going home to help

27 Oct 2017

In 1818 John Oxley first passed through the regional area now known as Dubbo. In 1840, Dundullimal Homestead was built, recognised as the oldest surviving slab hut house in Australia. In 1851, the census in Dubbo revealed a population of 28 males and 19 females. The Post Office was established in 1862, the first Dubbo Pastoral & Agricultural Show took place in 1873, and Dubbo was proclaimed a City in 1967. In 2017 four outstanding students from the region received Royal Agricultural Society of NSW Foundation (RASF) Rural Scholarships to help them achieve their educational goals. Harriet Amey is studying physiotherapy at university in Sydney but is going to return home to the ‘hub of the west’ with a plan to address the shortage of physiotherapists in regional hospitals. Harriet is incredibly aware of the need to bridge the gap and thanks to the assistance she has received from the RASF she is one giant step closer. The Rali Foundation donated Harriet’s Scholarship. Australia is the world’s leading supplier of red meat, and Australians eat more red meat than anyone else does around the world. Red meat plays an incredible part in Australia’s economy and the industry is vital as a major employer. Fortunately, Tyla Comerford has moved from Dubbo to New England in order to study Agriculture/Business and will return with a focus on producing a more feed-efficient line of cattle. Tyla believes better genetics in cattle production is the way forward in order to feed ever-growing numbers demanding Australian red meat. Tyla received a RASF Rural Scholarship with thanks to Moghul Brahman Stud/UNE Foundation. Promoted as an evocity (Energy, Vision & Opportunity), Dubbo is calling for new residents to boost its 51,000 population. The ‘treechange’ from city to regional living has many benefits but issues including loneliness and a sense of isolation can sometimes arise. A RASF Rural Scholarship donated by the Christopher Cuffe Foundation is going to assist Caitlin Maginnis to help people facing grief, loss and crisis in regional areas.  Studying Social Work at university in Dubbo, Caitlin wants to empower families and young people with better choices and support. Life on the land has difficulties and financial problems can go hand-in-hand with rural living. Samantha Smart is studying Agricultural Production with the hopes of demonstrating this doesn’t have to be the case. Samantha is receiving assistance with her studies thanks to a RASF Rural Scholarship donated by the Rali Foundation, and would like to settle in Dubbo with a mixed farming enterprise that is both environmentally and financially sustainable. Read more

Blue Mountains Man secures inaugural Sydney Royal Wine Assessment Scholarship

24 Oct 2017

Aspiring NSW winemaker Tom Colman has been named as the inaugural recipient of the Sydney Royal Wine Assessment scholarship. The scholarship is the result of a partnership between the Sydney Royal Wine Committee and the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW Foundation, RASF. The aim of the scholarship is to encourage and support young professionals passionate about wine and committed to forging a career in the Australian wine industry. Growing up at Blackheath in the Blue Mountains gave now 26 year old Tom a passion for the outdoors. Despite this being a distance from the established winemaking regions, Tom's passion for agriculture and viticulture spurred him towards a degree in winemaking and viticulture to which he graduated with honours. During his degree he spent his free time working for various winemakers in the Basket Range in the Adelaide Hills, such as James Erskine at Jauma and Alex Schulkin at The Other Right. Since then he has worked for a variety of wineries within America, Spain and north-eastern France. Tom says he is particularly excited by the opportunity to witness and contribute to changing wine styles and consumer education about the Australian wine industry. This has led him to start a small wine project with his father called Frankly Wines which uses fruit fermented in the family garage. "I’ve always dedicated my time and energy into bettering others and helping others achieve their goals," Tom Colman said. "It means a lot to me that this has been seen and that I can take a step back for a minute and focus on improving myself. "I hope to use all this knowledge to make myself a better taster and improve my knowledge on the world of wine. "I hope to do some associate judging in the future or some broader commentary on wine,” Tom said. The Sydney Royal Wine Assessment Scholarship, valued at $6000, will see Tom Colman take up a fully paid position at the Australian Wine Research Institute’s Advanced Wine Assessment Course next month in Adelaide.   For further information please contact: Roger White Manager, Public Relations Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS) P: 02 9704 1453 | E: rwhite@rasnsw.com.au Read more
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