NEWS
Vice Presidents Mr Hugh Milvane and Mr George Stevens
Treasurer Mrs Thereasa Watt
Saftey Officer Mr Hugh Milvane and Mrs Peta Sinclair
Publicity Officer Mr Bill Allitt
Show Girl co-ordinator Ms Catherine Drady - Jess Norton
Zone Final Show girl Co-ordinator Ms Catherine Drady - Jess Norton
General Committee. Mr Mal Hennman, Mrs Helen Symes, Mrs Kerry Brill, Wilma Alexander.
Royal Agricultural Society of NSW Foundation
launches 2010 scholarships program
The Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS) Foundation is searching for passionate and enthusiastic people who are determined to make a difference in their rural communities.
The RAS Foundation has launched a new series of scholarships, of up to $5,000 each, to assist people living in rural and regional towns across NSW to pursue their dreams of higher education, in turn creating a strong and vibrant community for the future.
RAS Foundation Executive Officer Antonia Ruffell says the Foundation aims to break down barriers and give rural people every opportunity possible to study for their chosen career.
“There is no limit on the age of the applicant or the types of courses to qualify.
“A student could be studying anything from teaching, engineering and physiotherapy to journalism, agricultural science and commerce - and everything in between,” said Ms Ruffell.
The criteria covers courses being undertaken at university or TAFE, on campus or by distance learning.
Ms Ruffell says the scholarships will help to address the ever increasing skills shortage crippling many rural towns.
“Students from rural and regional areas are vastly underrepresented in Australian tertiary institutions. They are more likely than those living in cities to face problems of access and funding in pursuing their education.
“It is easy to apply, applicants simply need to fill in the online application form on the RAS Foundation website (www.rasf.org.au) and explain why they are passionate about rural issues,” said Ms Ruffell.
Applications are also open for the RAS Foundation specialist scholarship, the third annual J B Fairfax Award for Rural Journalism.
The $10,000 Award encourages undergraduate or postgraduate students to pursue a career in rural journalism and tell the stories of Australian agriculture.
RAS Foundation Chairman Mr John B. Fairfax AO says it is important to nurture the future voices of Australian agriculture and ensure quality coverage of rural and regional affairs by Australian journalists.
“The Award is designed to attract people who are not merely committed to rural Australia but who are anxious to unearth many of the rich stories that lie hidden within our regional and rural communities.
“The rural industry remains a vital part of Australia’s economy and it is important that it is represented with understanding and enthusiasm,” Mr Fairfax said.
Each applicant for the Award for Rural Journalism is required to submit a feature article of up to 1200 words which explores a contemporary issue, trend or activity of interest to rural and regional communities.
The Award has been established through a private donation from Mr Fairfax, and is managed by the RASF, in collaboration with Rural Press Agricultural Publishing.
All applicants must be an Australian citizen or resident and enrolled for study at a registered Australian educational provider.
Applications close on 30 September 2010.
Funding will be provided for the 2011 academic year.
For further information and to lodge an online application please visit www.rasf.org.au
The RAS Foundation is a philanthropic foundation which seeks to encourage educational excellence and foster sustainable rural and regional communities through the provision of grants and scholarships.
Media inquiries;
Philippa Lampe
Manager Media & Public Relations
Royal Agricultural Society of NSW
1 Showground Road, Sydney Olympic Park, NSW 2127
t (02) 9704 1453: m 0419 483 407: f (02) 9704 1222 : e plampe@rasnsw.com.au
The 2009 Lanhams Jewelers Leeton Showgirl Competition was a huge success where 6 showgirl entrants were introduced to an appreciative audience of 60 family friends.
Representatives Paul and Francine Lanham, Lanhams Jewelers, Dean Owen, Leeton Toyota, Clay Pasquetti, manager, Leeton Toyota along with the Yanco Agricultural High School students who served the food, Manager Wade Hotel Leeton Mr. Andrew Hurst, Leeton Shire Council represented by Mr. & Mrs. Sam Ciccia and Mr. Emerson Doig and his wife Sally. MC Elise Horne introduced the girls who then gave a short speech about themselves, Ms Horne then asked them 2 questions such as "Where would you see yourself in 5 years, what does the Leeton Show mean to you.
Leeton Show Society was well represented with Mr. Bill Allitt, President, Mr. Graham Russell, vice president accompanied by his wife Dione and daughter Joelle who her self was a showgirl finalist in 2007, Mrs. Paula fields, secretary, Mrs. Thereasa Watts, Treasurer, Mrs. Helen Symes committee member and Past President Mr. Brian Munro. President Mr. Allitt thanked the showgirl committee of Jessica Norton, Elise Horne and Tara Buzzi for their great work in putting a wonderful show. He also thanked the following sponsors, Wade's Pharmacy, Sarfish Florist, Lives Hair and Beauty. The Showgirl co-ordinators were presented with a small gift by Mrs. Fields for their efforts on behalf of the Leeton Show Society.
The 2009 Lanhams Jewellers Leeton Showgirl Competition is the first stage in The Land Sydney Royal Showgirl Competition and is a great opportunity for young ladies between the ages of 18 - 24 years to get out there, meet new people and be able to promote their town.