Five ambitious students from the Hunter region have been named among the state’s most deserving scholars.

Teralba’s Chloe Bailey-Howell, Woodville’s Laura Beaumont and Singleton trio Matthew Cook, Christie Hayward and Rowan Vallance recently received RAS Foundation (RASF) Rural Scholarships to assist them on their educational journey.

They are studying a range of courses, from veterinary science to heavy fabrication engineering, and are eager to take their knowledge and skills back to their community and make a real difference.

Beginning in 2011, the program provides financial assistance to pupils who are passionate about the future success of regional NSW and intend to work within a rural community at the completion of their studies.

RASF manager Cecilia Logan said the foundation was honoured to support the next generation of bright young minds to follow their academic dreams.

“Pursuing higher education is often financially and emotionally demanding for rural and regional students, due to the need to relocate to urban centres, away from their family and their familiar way of life,” she explained.

“The scholarship initiative aims to ease the burden of that stress by helping with accommodation and education related costs, so that students can give greater focus to their studies.

“This year we were able to present a record 73 grants to youngsters from NSW and the ACT, which we are incredibly proud of.

“What this shows us, and our donors, is that there is a real demand for support and the Rural Scholarships are a tangible way to help the next generation access further education.”

The program is open to those across NSW and the ACT who are currently enrolled or applying for study in an accredited tertiary course at an Australian university, college, or TAFE, with no limits imposed on age or the types of degree that qualify.

Made possible with the assistance of generous donors, the RAS Foundation awards up to $6,000 to scholarship recipients undertaking full-time study, or up to $3,000 for those studying part-time.

Since its inception in 2007, the RAS Foundation has invested more than $8.2 million into country NSW through its education and community grant programs.

In excess of 750 scholarships have been provided to students across Australia.

Applications for the 2024 RASF Rural Scholarship are now open and will close on 17 September.

For further details, visit www.rasf.org.au.

Hunter Valley RASF Rural Scholars

LAURA BEAUMONT, WOODVILLE

• Doctor of Medicine

Laura Beaumont is a final-year medical student at Western Sydney University and is currently based in Bathurst while she undertakes a year-long placement with the Western NSW Local Health District. Having grown up in a small town in the Hunter Valley, Laura has always had an affinity for the country way of life. Throughout her time at university, Laura has presided over her university’s rural health club and sat on a number of national committees working to improve healthcare in rural areas. Laura is acutely aware of the importance of bringing high-quality healthcare to all corners of the country and is very excited to be commencing her career as a rural doctor in Orange next year.

CHLOE BAILEY-HOWELL, TERALBA

• Bachelors of Veterinary Biology and Veterinary Science

Chloe Bailey Howell, a 22-year-old student, is entering her fourth year of a Bachelor of Veterinary Biology/Bachelor of Veterinary Science at Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga. She is passionate about animal health and welfare, particularly in relation to production animals, and has a strong desire to pursue a career in rural mixed practice. Chloe’s primary area of interest is reproduction, and she aspires to specialise in cattle reproduction as she advances in her career. In addition to her studies, Chloe is actively involved in the Limousin Youth Association, where she aims to support youth in agriculture and provide opportunities for people in the industry.

MATTHEW COOK, SINGLETON

• Bachelor of Medical Studies/Doctor of Medicine

Matthew Cook is a fifth-year medical student studying and living at UNSW Rural Clinical School, Port Macquarie. Matthew’s interest lies in optimising cardiovascular health, and he is currently undertaking research for a greater understanding of strokes. Matthew hopes to become a cardiologist, and due to his upbringing in a rural town, hopes to return to a rural setting to set up his practice and foster a better engagement with patients and the community.

CHRISTIE HAYWARD, SINGLETON

• Certificate III in Engineering- Heavy Fabrication

Christie Hayward grew up in Sydney but moved to Singleton after she completed her secondary schooling so that she could pursue a career as a boilermaker. After completing her Certificate III in Engineering – Heavy Fabrication, Christie hopes to work in a rural or regional community carrying out jobs like repairing fences, machinery work and the fabrication of steel structures. Christie has a keen interest in alpacas and is currently the secretary of the NSW Alpaca Youth Group. This role sees her organising youth events for the organisation, including expos and events at local shows, as well as the annual NSW Alpaca Youth Camp. Christie enjoys helping other alpaca breeders at shows and volunteers her time to help shear when she can.

ROWAN VALLANCE, SINGLETON

• Bachelor of Rural Science

Growing up at Singleton, Rowan Vallance then moved to Armidale at the start of his degree to study on campus. This year, he is entering his fourth and final year in a Bachelor of Rural Science at University of New England. Having the ability to choose options further down the track is extremely important for Rowan and what attracted him to study Rural Science in the first place. While it has been challenging and demanding, Rowan has found it a rewarding journey. He is looking forward to playing an active role growing rural and regional communities through the limitless possibilities the agricultural industry presents.

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