Miss Wilson grew up on a farm near Coleambally and in 2016 she was one of the recipient’s of SunRice’s Jan Cathcart Scholarship. 

The scholarship honours the memory of long-term Leeton SunRice employee Jan Cathcart and her 43-year contribution to the rice industry by offering education and career opportunities to women who share her passion and commitment.

Miss Wilson has experienced many bonuses since being awarded the honour. 

“It’s a fantastic platform thathas given me numerous opportunities to expand my work experience in marketing and human resources,” she said. 

“A highlight was attending the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation Rural Women’s Awards in Canberra last year … we met extraordinary women and see how significantly they are contributing to agriculture and their communities.”

Women with connections to the rice industry who are undertaking, or planning to undertake, tertiary studies are encouraged to apply for the scholarship.

It is valued at $10,000 a year for up to three years of tertiary study.

Successful applicants are chosen based on their commitment to a career in agriculture, involvement in work experience and community service, leadership potential and academic achievements.

SunRice chairman Laurie Arthur urged women in the MIA to apply.

“SunRice is proud to be able to support

the education and professional development of women in the rice industry through the Jan Cathcart Scholarship,” he said.

“(It) offers many benefits as evidenced by the experiences of the recipients to date.

“We encourage women from across our networks to apply or to nominate other eligible women for this opportunity to share Jan’s passion and commitment to creating a vibrant rice industry.”

Application information is available at www.sunrice.com.au/JanCathcartScholarship with October 14 the deadline. A winner will be announced in early 2018.