Two Wolumla women have been presented with RAS Foundation scholarships for 2017.
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Jessica Ford and Cassie MacBean were recognised among the 64 inspiring rural scholars at an official gala presentation at Sydney Showground on the weekend.
Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS) Foundation executive officer Kate Ross, said since the inception of the Rural Scholarship Program this was the largest group of scholars awarded yet, and is thrilled the Foundation will again provide a springboard for country students to achieve their educational goals.
“This year the RAS Foundation will proudly support a diverse group of talented individuals, all with amazing and unique backgrounds, who are passionate about rural and regional NSW,” Ms Ross said.
The RAS Foundation has awarded over $1.7m to over 370 rural scholarship recipients since 2011.
“Each of the students on our program is passionate about making a difference in their chosen field. This variety reflects the diversity of skills that rural and regional communities require to flourish and prosper,” Ms Ross said.
Ms MacBean, 36, is studying Medicine as a mature-aged student at the University of New England, Armidale, and is striving towards her goal of practicing as a GP in a rural hospital.
“Having spent time as a pathologist and supporting by husband through a leukaemia journey, I have first-hand experience of the difficulties country people face when dealing with serious medical conditions. I’m hoping to help bridge the gap and to provide rural Australians with the quality health care they deserve,” Ms MacBean said.
Meanwhile, Ms Ford, 25, is currently completing three specialised medical degrees through Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, by distance education from her home in Wolumla.
From a young age Jessica has lived with a chronic auto-immune disease. This has given her a unique experience into the difference quality health services can make to the lives of rural patients and their families. Based on her personal life events, it is Jessica’s ambition to bring both essential and unique skills to the medical community, in particular country facilities.
The RAS Foundation’s 2018 Scholarships are currently open for applications and provide $6,000 for full-time study and $3,000 for part-time study. To apply click here