Annabel Arnold from Berrigan received the 2018 Jan Cathcart Scholarship in Leeton last week.

The SunRice scholarship will support her in undertaking a Bachelor of Agriculture degree from the University of Melbourne.

A second-generation rice grower, Miss Arnold spoke about how growing up on her family’s farm had inspired her to take up a career in agriculture. 

“Rice growing has provided my family with a fulfilling livelihood, so in the future I would hope to be able to look back on my career and feel as if I made my own contribution to the rice industry,” she said.

She also pointed to Ms Cathcart’s example as one for young women in agriculture to follow. 

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“Jan Cathcart was an exceptional woman who made a point of forming relationships with growers and played a key role in supporting the ongoing success of rice growing in the region,” she said.

Ms Cathcart spent 43 years in and around the rice industry and the scholarship was established in 2014 to honour her memory. 

She joined Rice Marketing Board straight out of school in 1971 and started with the SunRice Grower Services team in 1985. 

“I think this scholarship is so important because it supports up and coming young women in agriculture to enable them to continue Jan’s legacy in helping to shape a dynamic industry,” Miss Arnold said. 

SunRice Chairman Laurie Arthur presented Miss Arnold with the scholarship, which he says is designed “to give back and invest in the future of our rice growing community”. 

“It is designed to provide Annabel, and all recipients, with financial support and hands-on industry experience to assist them in achieving their career goals,” he said. 

“We have received applications from many remarkable women, who all share the passion for creating a vibrant rice industry – a passion for which Jan was renown.”

Annabel’s genuine interest in playing an active role to ensure our industry’s longevity speaks directly to the reasons why we offer the scholarship.”