Locals recognised as next generation of rural leaders

Wee Waa’s Caitlyn Coutts-Smith and Mackenzie Jones along with Narrabri’s Ruby Ford have been recognised as part of the next generation of country leaders after they were named recipients of the 2024 Rural Scholarship program.

Investing in the future of rural and regional communities, the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW Foundation has selected a record 91 students for its 2024 Rural Scholarship program, with 12 scholars from the Northern Inland region named in this year’s cohort.

Now in its 14th year, the RAS Foundation Rural Scholarship program offers financial support to tertiary education students who are helping shape the future of regional NSW by forging careers within rural or regional communities.

Record funds of $516,000 will be distributed among this year’s scholarship recipients, with an aim to help ease the burdens associated with pursuing higher education such as relocating to urban centres, study costs, and the inability to work consistently due to study workloads or placements.

Wee Waa’s Caitlyn Coutts-Smith was named a recipient of the RAS Foundation’s 2024 Rural Scholarship program.

Caitlyn told the Wee Waa News she was honoured to be a scholarship recipient.

“The Royal Agricultural Society of NSW has shown incredible belief in my potential,” she said.

“Their support not only helps me financially but also connects me to a community of like-minded individuals who are passionate about agriculture.

“With the support of this scholarship, I am more determined than ever to contribute to the agricultural sector.

“This scholarship has provided me with the financial stability needed to focus on my studies without the constant worry about living expenses.

“It’s given me the freedom to fully immerse myself in my education.”

Caitlyn is in her first year studying a Bachelor of Agricultural Business Management at Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga. She was raised on a mixed stock and cropping farm in North West NSW and has grown up within the agricultural industry and she said she has seen how agriculture has adapted to accommodate sustainable practices.

Over the past six years, Caitlyn has competed in many agricultural events including local and Sydney Royal shows as a Junior Judge and in the cattle parade.

After she completes university, Caitlyn plans on gaining experience and industry knowledge in the agribusinesses area before she becomes a cattle stud producer based in NSW.

“I know for me personally, I might be a bit biased, but I wouldn’t be the person I am today if I didn’t grow up in a small town,” said Caitlyn.

“It teaches you more than you would ever learn growing up in a larger community such as a city.

“I feel quite lucky that I was able to grow up in a regional place, amongst a very tight knit community, whilst still having a wide range of access to both educational and personal opportunities, that people might not believe a country kid could have.”

Wee Waa’s Mackenzie Jones was named a recipient of the RAS Foundation’s 2024 Rural Scholarship program.

Mackenzie Jones is currently undertaking a Certificate III in Wildlife and Exhibited Animal Care through TAFE NSW.

When completed, the course will mean she has the qualifications to become a zookeeper.

Mackenzie, born and bred in Wee Waa, has a strong passion for all things farm life – from agriculture to animals. She’s curious about conservation and facilities and programs such as zoos.

Mackenzie’s experience with animals includes being a regular volunteer at the Western Namoi Vet Services and her efforts, along with her outstanding community contributions, have been recognised through awards such as the Narrabri Shire’s Young Citizen of the Year award in 2023 and Wee Waa’s Junior Young Woman of the Year in 2022.

Mackenzie also enjoys recreational fishing, playing soccer within the community and spending time with friends and family.

The young Wee Waarian said was ‘thrilled’ when she was awarded a RASF scholarship.

“Coming from Wee Waa, a lot of people would relate to the fact that coming from a rural setting, not everything can be easily taken with both hands or is not readily available, hence you see many move away temporary or permanently in order to obtain a tertiary degree or certificate or a full-time job that suits your interests or needs.

“Being a recipient of this wonderful scholarship allows me to do just that, and especially living in a world where everyone seems to be doing it tough right now.

“I’m so grateful that I have some sort of financial assistance from amazing donors who donate their hard-earned money in order for the Youth of Australia to go out and explore different opportunities surrounding the animal and agricultural world.

“I will also be attending the University of New England (UNE) in Armidale next year to study a Bachelor of Animal Science, so when the time comes that I am fully qualified, I hope to give back to rural and regional communities like Wee Waa, and show the support and commitment that they showed to me.”

Narrabri’s Ruby Ford was named a recipient of the RAS Foundation’s 2024 Rural Scholarship program.

Fellow recipient Ruby Ford grew up in Narrabri in NSW and discovered her passion for agriculture and community at a young age.

She is studying a Bachelor of Agricultural Science at Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga where she is furthering her education and knowledge of the Australian agriculture industry, specifically in beef cattle and genetics.

Entering her final year of university, Ruby hopes to gain a lot of experience from industry personnel and have a smooth transition from university into the workforce.

A media statement released by RAS NSW said Ruby is looking forward to contributing positively to the industry and her community.

“Once I complete my studies I would like to move back to a rural area, as the community aspect of living in a small town is like no other.

“I want to contribute to NSW, not only in the agricultural industry but in all aspects of supporting rural communities and my agricultural science degree will let me do that,” Ruby said.

“As a fourth-year student, the workload and placements required by my degree make it difficult to take on further jobs to support my studies.

“The RAS scholarship has been so helpful in providing the additional financial support I need to cover rent and bills while completing my course and placements.”

RAS Foundation manager Cecilia Logan said the charity considers it a privilege to be able to support the next generation of rural and regional leaders as they pursue their academic dreams.

“This year’s applicants are outstanding ambassadors for their communities and have the potential to create a positive and lasting impact in the regional sector through their chosen career paths,” Cecilia Logan said.

“There is no doubt young Australians are impacted significantly by the cost-of-living crisis we are currently facing, and pursuing higher education is a big financial burden for many students – particularly for those living in regional areas.

“Our rural scholarship program aims to address this by offering financial support to students from rural or regional areas and ensure they have access to the same opportunities as their metropolitan counterparts in the pursuit of their chosen career.”

Northern Inland scholarship recipients are studying a range of courses, including nursing, environmental science, veterinary science, and agricultural studies, and it’s believed the students are looking forward to applying their newly acquired knowledge and skills within their local rural and regional communities at the completion of their studies.