The Horizon Scholarship, an initiative of the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) in partnership with industry sponsors, provides $5000 per year for the duration of a student’s university degree.

The Horizon Scholarship also offers students annual industry work placements, access to industry leaders, professional development assistance, and opportunities to network and gain knowledge at a range of industry events.

The students involved in the scholarship are expanding their networks and learning new skills.

Combined with easing the financial burden on students and families, the scholarship is opening doors for these future agricultural leaders.

The scholarship attracts students who are collaborative, dynamic, passionate and want to be future leaders of Australia’s agricultural industries - it is special group of young people and we look forward to welcoming more of them into the scholarship in 2017.

To be eligible for the scholarship students must be entering their first year of university and studying a degree related to agriculture, such as agricultural science, rural science, livestock/animal science, veterinary science or agribusiness and plant science.

Students must also have started their tertiary studies no longer than two years after leaving high school.

Scholarship recipients will be selected on the basis of their commitment to a career in agriculture, as well as their leadership potential and high school academic record.

Applications close on February 24 and shortlisted applicants must be available for a telephone interview in March.

The scholarship winners will be announced in May.

Application forms can be downloaded from the RIRDC website at www.rirdc.gov.au/horizon or by contacting RIRDC on 02 6923 6916.

John Harvey

Managing director

RIRDC

WHEN I think back to the start of a new school year, I can still remember the buzzing feelings of excitement, anticipation and nerves.

Am I going to have classes with all my friends? Will I get better results than last year? Which teachers will I have?

Millions of young people across the country heading into primary and secondary school over the coming weeks may be facing similar feelings – whether they are starting another school year or commencing a new school for the first time.

Some students can adjust to the changes and settle into things quickly. However, some young people may find this a daunting and challenging time.

There can be a number of reasons why it might be hard to go school: trying to make new friends, pressure to get the best marks, dealing with bullying, or perhaps going through a mental health issue such as anxiety or depression.

These worries can make the next few weeks an uncertain time. Whether you are a young person struggling, or a parent with concerns about your child, headspace is here to help.

As the National Youth Mental Health Foundation, headspace provides support for young people aged 12-25 years old who are struggling with their mental health and wellbeing.

No matter where you are, you can access help at headspace – either through one of our 95 centres in metro, rural and regional areas of Australia, or via eheadspace.org.au where you can receive online and telephone support between 9am-1am (AEDT), seven days-a-week.

Dr Natalie Gray

Chief Medical Officer

headspace