A TULLY student who won an agribusiness scholarship to help fund her university studies says she plants to return to the Far North and hopes to inspire other women to pursue careers in agriculture.
Claire Lowe applied for the $3000 Agribusiness Australia scholarship, which is awarded every year to help aspiring agribusiness students, and said she was thrilled to receive the help.
Claire said she would use the scholarship to support her dual degree of agribusiness and sustainable agriculture, which she intends to study at the University of Queensland, Gatton Campus.
But ultimately, the Far North is where her heart is and she plans to return to the region once she completes her studies.
“I was truly grateful and excited to win the Agribusiness Australia Scholarship for 2018,” Claire said.
“Combined with my passion of agriculture, I aim to use this degree to eventually return to the Far North and start an agricultural consultancy business of my own.
“I also hope to encourage more women to become involved in the agriculture industry.”
Entrants are judged on their academic achievements over the last two years, interest in degree training in agriculture, voluntary and leadership activities, as well as career aspirations for the future.
Queensland Agriculture Workforce Network Far North Queensland Manager Leanne Kruss, who works closely with schools throughout Far North Queensland to promote career opportunities in agriculture, said Claire’s win was a testament to her dedication to a career in agriculture.
She also praised Tully High School agricultural coordinator Warren Giffin who supported Clair through the process.
“I’m equally thrilled for Warren who is so dedicated to keeping his students at the forefront of what is happening within industry and continuously leads the way in showcasing the high achieving students of northern Australia on a national level,” Ms Kruss said.
The QAWN program funds are overseen by FNQ Growers.