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  1. RAS Uplift
  2. Sydney Royal Competitions
  3. Benefits of a Royal win
Benefits of a Royal win
Benefits of a Royal win

Sydney Royal Competitions set the benchmark for agricultural excellence that underpins Australia's agricultural performance ensuring a viable and prosperous future for our rural communities.

For Sydney Royal competitors, a win is testament of achievement at the highest level. It is recognition of dedication, ability, uncompromising diligence and sheer hard work.

As well as pride and prestige, a Sydney Royal win provides a springboard to increase returns. All winners receive Sydney Royal medal or trophy artwork designed to be used across a wide range of marketing collateral.

Regardless of a win in the Wine, Dairy and Fine Food competition, judges' comments are made available to every exhibitor enabling them to improve the quality of their livestock, agricultural produce, or product. All Sydney Royal Competitions, even those not connected directly to the land, are geared toward promoting, fostering and encouraging the sustainable development of rural communities and agriculture in Australia.

School Competitions

School Competitions

The Sydney Royal Easter Show is the largest classroom in New South Wales, it is the place to come to discover how to milk a cow or shear a sheep, how to grow the biggest pumpkins in Australia and even how to use horsepower for electricity. It is also the place students can come and show what they have learned and to be judged for the hard work in agricultural pursuits. In 1875 the first competitions for school students were held – in the areas of needlework, wood carving, natural history collections and drawing. By 1904 school competitions had expanded to include the first display of farm produce by school children – a precursor to the Schools District Exhibit Competition, and in 1935 junior judging of cattle was introduced. The tradition of exhibiting and judging for schools continues today and includes poultry, pig, goat, honey and scarecrows. Entry is free for all schools – city, metropolitan rural and regional.

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Success stories

Success stories

You've got to be piggin' me

You've got to be piggin' me

Geoffrey the Pig pulls big Show win When WA breeder Linton Batt is asked to talk about his 140kg Berkshire boar ‘Geoffrey’ his face immediately lights up. “He’s a character, isn’t he?” Batt says as Geoffrey gobbles up a pear in celebration of his ‘Junior Berkshire Boar’ title at the 2018 Sydney Royal Easter Show. Geoffrey, whose registered stud name is ‘Bungendore Koonibba F66’, competed against five other Berkshire boars for the title on Saturday. The win came after a long fifty-six hours on the road from WA. Despite the eight-and-a-half-month-old boar currently being in prime condition for the judging, Batt says that Geoffrey is still a while away from being at his potential ultimate weight of 400kg. “Geoffrey has gone through his growth phase. That finishes when a boar reaches 110kgs,” “Now he’s just going to get more weight on him. The bacon sits thickly here,” Batt smiles as he points to the stockier part of Geoffrey’s back.   However, where Geoffrey is concerned, bacon is not the cards. The boar is a breeding pig, and after he has finished his stint at the Royal Easter Show, he is off to the Sabor Breeding Centre in South Australia to undergo artificial insemination processes. “For Geoffrey, there is a lot of attention on his ‘back end’,” Batt says. “That means that he has the qualities for strong reproductive traits, as well as the functionalities of a boar in strength and density. He also has the visual characteristics that judges look for in Berkshires, including the six white markings on his body.” Batt is quick to mention that Geoffrey’s physical traits are not the only qualities that the unique animal possesses. “When Geoffrey goes to lie down, he drops to his knees first,” Batt explains. “He checks before lying down to see if he can hear any screaming piglets first. If he can’t, then he knows it is safe for him to lie down.” For all the girls out there, Geoffrey is a taken man! The boar has a love interest in ‘Mona Lisa’, a sow that lives in the opposite pen to Geoffrey. Batt says he often watches the two engaging in affectionate conversation. “Geoffrey has the hots for Mona Lisa. Whenever he’s out and about, he stops by her pen and they have a chat with each other,” he said.  Geoffrey will finish up at the Royal Easter Show on Monday evening 26 th March, when he will begin his journey to South Australia. Until then, he will be proudly showing off his win in the pig and goat pavilion…  And you’re going to hear him boar! 

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*Blue Mountains Man secures inaugural Sydney Royal Wine Assessment Scholarship

*Blue Mountains Man secures inaugural Sydney Royal Wine Assessment Scholarship

Aspiring NSW winemaker Tom Colman has been named as the inaugural recipient of the Sydney Royal Wine Assessment scholarship. The scholarship is the result of a partnership between the Sydney Royal Wine Committee and the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW Foundation, RASF. The aim of the scholarship is to encourage and support young professionals passionate about wine and committed to forging a career in the Australian wine industry. Growing up at Blackheath in the Blue Mountains gave now 26 year old Tom a passion for the outdoors. Despite this being a distance from the established winemaking regions, Tom's passion for agriculture and viticulture spurred him towards a degree in winemaking and viticulture to which he graduated with honours. During his degree he spent his free time working for various winemakers in the Basket Range in the Adelaide Hills, such as James Erskine at Jauma and Alex Schulkin at The Other Right. Since then he has worked for a variety of wineries within America, Spain and north-eastern France. Tom says he is particularly excited by the opportunity to witness and contribute to changing wine styles and consumer education about the Australian wine industry. This has led him to start a small wine project with his father called Frankly Wines which uses fruit fermented in the family garage. "I’ve always dedicated my time and energy into bettering others and helping others achieve their goals," Tom Colman said. "It means a lot to me that this has been seen and that I can take a step back for a minute and focus on improving myself. "I hope to use all this knowledge to make myself a better taster and improve my knowledge on the world of wine. "I hope to do some associate judging in the future or some broader commentary on wine,” Tom said. The Sydney Royal Wine Assessment Scholarship, valued at $6000, will see Tom Colman take up a fully paid position at the Australian Wine Research Institute’s Advanced Wine Assessment Course next month in Adelaide.   For further information please contact: Roger White Manager, Public Relations Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS) P: 02 9704 1453 | E: rwhite@rasnsw.com.au

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Sydney Royal Wine Committee announces new Wine Scholarship

Sydney Royal Wine Committee announces new Wine Scholarship

The Sydney Royal Wine Committee, in partnership with the Royal Agricultural Society (of NSW) Foundation has announced a new and exciting industry scholarship opportunity to benefit a young person passionate about the Australian Wine industry. The Sydney Royal Wine Assessment Scholarship is the result of the continued success of the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW’s KPMG Sydney Royal Wine Show. The successful scholarship recipient will receive a fully paid position at the Australian Wine Research Institute's Advanced Wine Assessment Course (AWAC) taking place in Adelaide from Monday 20th – Thursday 23rd November, 2017. This new scholarship initiative has been made possible through an online auction of excess wine from the previous year’s Sydney Royal Wine Show, with the specific purpose of raising funds to support the Australian Wine industry through grants and scholarships. Chair of the Sydney Royal Wine Committee, Sally Evans, said it made sense to utilize the high-quality excess wine from the show to create career opportunities for young people in the wine industry. “We are delighted to introduce this new scholarship, funded by the sale of surplus wine show stock. It provides us with the opportunity to support the Australian Wine industry through the development of outstanding young industry professionals,” Ms Evans said. “The AWAC course is a world-class programme and we’re thrilled to provide this opportunity to a young person in our local wine industry,” she said. Value of Scholarship: $6,000 Applications Open: 1st August 2017 Applications Close: 17th September 2017 Eligibility Guidelines: Open to applicants 30 years and under. Applicants must be an Australian citizen or a permanent resident. Applicants must be employed in the Australian Wine Industry or engaged in study in a related course. Applications can be made online by visiting www.rasnsw.com.au/scholarships For further information, including high resolution images, please contact: Roger White – Manager, Public Relations M: 0478 092 425 | P: 02 9704 1453 | E: rwhite@rasnsw.com.au About the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS) Foundation: The RAS Foundation is a charitable foundation that encourages educational opportunities and helps build strong and sustainable rural and regional communities through a range of targeted grants and scholarships. Visit www.rasf.org.au for more information on the RAS Foundation.

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AgVision Sydney to help address National agri-skills crisis

AgVision Sydney to help address National agri-skills crisis

The Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS) has partnered with the Department of Education and Junee High School to bring AgVision to Sydney Showground on 27 July 2017. AgVision is an agri-careers exhibition that will provide secondary school pupils (Years 9 -11) with a unique chance to learn about the industry, while gaining a greater understanding of the wide-ranging careers available in agriculture, science and agri-business. AgVision forms part of a national response to Australia's agri-skills crisis and is designed to encourage and inspire young people to become the future of agriculture in Australia. "AgVision Sydney will provide a platform for developing a greater connection between students and the agribusiness sector, where they can experience first-hand what it's like to work in an industry trade or service" said Murray Wilton, General Manager, Agriculture at the RAS. "For many teenagers, the first taste of agriculture is a visit to the Sydney Royal Easter Show. "What we want is to turn that spark of interest into a career in the agriculture industry.  Agriculture accounts for more than $12b in production value for the NSW economy each year, 25% of the entire Australian output. During AgVision Sydney, students will participate in five hands-on learning experiences from a selection of 50 workshops. "These will be run by industry professionals from all over NSW," Mr Wilton said. "The RAS is proud to be part of this excellent initiative with the Department of Education and Junee High School," said Mr Wilton. The workshops will profile a range of careers, including technology, research and development, primary production, secondary production, processing, logistics, transport, handling, marketing of products, commodities and services. AgVision Sydney: The Details WHEN: Thursday 27 July 2017 WHERE: Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park TIME: 8.30am – 2.30pm WHO: Students Years 9-11 ADMISSION: $15 per student REGISTRATION: Open to schools and students on Monday 29 May - Closes Friday 21 July 2015. For further information, contact Georgia Clark: education@rasnsw.com.au or phone 02 9704 1147 MEDIA: For further information and interview requests, please contact: Roger White, Manager, Public Relations p  02 9704 1453 m 0478 092 425 e rwhite@rasnsw.com.au

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*Budding Viticulturist Hannah McKay Awarded 2017 Sydney Royal Wine Scholarship

*Budding Viticulturist Hannah McKay Awarded 2017 Sydney Royal Wine Scholarship

1 June, 2017 A decision to trade a business career to follow her passion in the Australian wine industry has paid off for Hannah McKay of NSW, with her being awarded the prestigious 2017 Sydney Royal Wine Scholarship. Ms McKay, a part-time Viticulture student studying by distance at Charles Sturt University from her base in Margaret River, Western Australia, will receive $3,500 towards her tertiary studies as well as the opportunity to steward at the 2017 KPMG Sydney Royal Wine Show this coming July. Sydney Royal Wine Committee Chair, Sally Evans, commended Ms McKay for her inspiring vision of how she plans to be involved in the future success of the Australian wine industry. “It’s wonderful to be able to offer the opportunity of stewarding at the KPMG Sydney Royal Wine show to Ms McKay, who will benefit greatly from the learnings and networks she will receive access to. She not only impressed us with her passion for viticulture but also her desire to play a leading role in encouraging more young women into the wine industry,” Ms Evans said. Employed by iconic winery Vasse Felix, 28 year old Ms McKay has a passion for plants and wine and is focussed on finding ways to combine traditional farming practices, land management techniques and native species in a vineyard setting. “I’m thrilled to be selected for this amazing scholarship and excited about the opportunities it will bring as I work towards my goal of being a leading female viticulturist. The scholarship has encouraged me to further develop my learning in the field and classroom to reveal more sustainable ways of growing wine grapes in Australia,” said Ms McKay. “My wine journey began when I left an office career and started working in vineyards near my family home in the Southern Highlands wine region. I instantly fell in love with the industry and each day I look forward to what I’m going to learn and then implement in the vineyard.” “I am excited to connect with other like-minded people across Australia at the upcoming wine show and will use this scholarship to strengthen the precision and quality of Australian viticulture and wine,” she said. The judging panel was so impressed with the high quality of applications that for the first time in history, a runner up scholarship was awarded. The 2017 runner-up honour has gone to Nicholas Conolly, a Bachelor of Wine Science student at Charles Sturt University. Originally studying local government in Sydney, Mr Conolly’s passion for the wine industry was sparked while on work experience at a winery in Orange. Mr Conolly has since relocated to South Australia where he works for Kirrihill Wines in the Clare Valley. The Sydney Royal Wine Scholarship honours the memory and contribution of Graham Thorp, Chair of the Sydney Royal Wine Committee from 1984 – 1990. RAS Foundation Executive Officer, Kate Ross, said the scholarship offers a welcome financial boost to our next generation of wine industry leaders as they strive to excel in their chosen careers. “The fact that our two 2017 scholarship recipients have chosen to relocate far from home and undertake distance studies while working in the wine industry shows a real commitment,” Ms Ross said. In 2018 the scholarship will increase to $6,000 for full time study or $3,000 towards part time study. Applications for the 2018 award open on 1 August 2017 and can be completed online through the RASF website http://www.rasnsw.com.au/foundation/scholarships-and-grants/sydney-royal-wine-scholarship/ <Ends> For further information, including high resolution images, please contact: Roger White – Manager, Public Relations M: 0478 092 425 | P: (02) 9704 1453 | E: rwhite@rasnsw.com.au About the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS) Foundation: The RAS Foundation is a charitable foundation that encourages educational opportunities and helps build strong and sustainable rural and regional communities through a range of targeted grants and scholarships. Visit www.rasf.org.au for more information on the RAS Foundation.

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Royal Agricultural Society pays tribute to Australia's forgotten helpers

Royal Agricultural Society pays tribute to Australia's forgotten helpers

By Aidan Wondracz The Royal Agricultural Society (RAS) marked 195 years of successful service by playing host to the 2017 Australian Citizenship Ceremony at the Sydney Royal Easter Show. It is the third year that the not-for-profit organisation has held the official swearing-in ceremony. This year, 195 conferees were sworn-in - a figure chosen to match the number of years the RAS has been looking out for Australian farmers. OP Productions kicked off the ceremony with a colourful dance performance, showcasing Australian diversity. Dressed in exotic, vibrant outfits from all around the world, the audience enjoyed Uncle Sam moving alongside maraca-shaking Latino Americans, and tribal Africans jumping between Egyptian dancers. RAS President, Robert Ryan, warmly welcomed the conferees, taking the opportunity to speak of the Society’s shared history with Australian immigrants. “In 1822, the Royal Agricultural Society was founded by immigrants to this country,” he said. Mr Ryan is, of course, referring to Australia’s early settlers. “Some of the first settlers were struggling to adapt to a new environment,” Mr Ryan said. “The problems they were facing with crops and farming meant they needed to band together to help each other.” And so in 1823, these farmers came together and held the first-ever Show. The gathering was an opportunity for agriculturalists to share their knowledge and exchange tricks of the trade with one another. A special mateship was established, and to this day farmers continue to help each other out of dire straits. Immigrants continue to play a vital role in rural regions, Mr Ryan believes. Many have moved to low-populous towns saving them from obsolescence. “They have worked in the agriculture sector helping to address the labour shortage and most importantly adding new skills and innovation in science.” His Excellency General, the Honourable David Hurley, AC DSC, Governor of NSW, led the conferees in the pledge of commitment. “I pledge my loyalty to Australia and its people,” the new Australians echoed. “Whose democratic beliefs I share, whose rights and liberties I respect, and whose laws I will uphold and obey.” What followed was a loud applause, undeniably fraught with joy and a shared sense of fresh beginnings. For Nepal-born Sijan Dc, and his two-year-old daughter it is a watershed moment. “The first thing I’m going to do as an Australian is take my little girl to the Farmyard Nursery at the Show,” he said.

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RAS join the Force

RAS join the Force

WORDS: Vicki Hastrich Article first appeared RAS Times November 2016 Part One in a Royal Agricultural Society (RAS) Heritage series by Vicki Hastric h While operational policing has always been an important part of the compact, NSW Police have traditionally joined in the fun of the Show, taking part in activities which go above and beyond normal duties. Over 120 years an interconnected relationship has developed between the force and the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS), to the mutual benefit of both organisations. RAS join the Force Close ties were first forged with the Mounted Police Unit, who became early neighbours of the Moore Park Showground, but as the Show’s effectiveness as a forum to connect with the public was recognised, other arms of the Force got involved. In 1901 the NSW Mounted Police found themselves in urgent need of a home. Turfed out of their Belmont Park barracks to make way for the construction of Central Railway Station, they found temporary accommodation at the Moore Park Showground while new stables were built – just a short clop away in Baptist Street, Redfern. The stables were completed in 1907 and that same year the Mounties performed their first Musical Ride at the Show, perhaps as a thank you to their hosts. A drill and sword display had been performed by the Mounted Unit in 1895, but adding the NSW Police Band to the mix was a clincher. From the outset, main arena crowds loved the combination of riding routines set to music and the Musical Ride has endured ever since as one of the great traditions of the Show. For the Mounties, the event is important from a training perspective. and no doubt this has helped ensure its survival. Intensive pre-Show rehearsals sharpen skills used all year; in a crowd control situation or a demonstration, precise team-work and co-ordination between horse and rider could be life saving. Competition between troopers for trophies in six police horse classes at the Show is another incentive to hone horsemanship skills. Police no longer compete in the tentpegging competition, but when the event was reintroduced in 1969 their participation was instrumental in getting the sport back up and running. The tentpegging perpetual trophy is known as the Golden Livermore Lance, named in memory of former Mounted Police Commander, Sergeant Ron Livermore. Police teams won the Lance on eight occasions. The event remains the most prestigious on the Australian tentpegging calendar. On the back of the Mounties’ success, other units began to perform at the Show, demonstrating their abilities and law enforcement techniques to the public. The Dog Unit, formed in 1932, was the first to follow and in 1972 the Police Motor Cycle Display Squad debuted. With the move of the Showground to Homebush the closeness of the relationship between the RAS and NSW Police could easily have changed, especially in an era of user pays. But good leadership on both sides prevailed and special agreements were made in regard to the Mounties, who were no longer near neighbours. To offset the cost of services provided at the Show, the RAS offered the Mounted Unit year-round access to stabling. These facilities are used as a second base when on operational patrol in the western suburbs. It’s a nice echo of former days when the Mounties needed a home.  Read Part Two:  Police museum on Show Read Part Three:  May the Force be with you Read Part Four:  RAS the Horse Read Part Five: Lost at the Show

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Diverse range of students to receive RASF Rural Scholarships

Diverse range of students to receive RASF Rural Scholarships

Wednesday 22 June, 2016 The Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS) Foundation is proud to announce that 58 students have been awarded a Rural Scholarship in 2016, an initiative designed to ensure an increased flow of skilled people to rural and regional NSW communities. Scholarships are awarded to students based on financial need and desire to live, work and contribute to country NSW, and offer $5,000 for full-time study and $2,500 for part-time study. RAS Foundation Executive Officer, Kate Ross, said this is the most diverse group of students the RAS Foundation has supported since the inception of the program in 2011, and is thrilled the Foundation will again provide a stepping stone for bright futures. "This year the RAS Foundation will proudly support an incredibly diverse group of talented individuals, all with unique and inspiring backgrounds. We have mature aged students, a single father, a Vietnamese refugee as well as a young Indigenous woman, who is the first of 52 grandchildren to attend University; and that's just a few of the 58," Ms Ross said. "The RAS Foundation is committed to helping rural Australians realise their potential through education. Each year, we are impressed with the quality of applicants and inspired by their journeys." "We again look forward to supporting these rural-minded students as they work towards achieving their goals," Ms Ross said. Applications for the RASF’s 2017 Rural Scholarship open on 1 July 2016 and can be accessed online at rasnsw.com.au/scholarships. The RAS Foundation has awarded over $1.4m to over 300 rural scholarship recipients since 2011. The Rural Scholars will be awarded their scholarships at three presentations around the state, including Armidale (20 July), Wagga Wagga (27 July) and Sydney (3 August).   For further information, including high resolution images, please contact: Danielle Sammut - Marketing Coordinator P: (02) 9704 1239 | E: dsammut@rasnsw.com.au   About the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS) Foundation: The RAS Foundation is a charitable foundation that encourages educational opportunities and helps build strong and sustainable rural and regional communities through a range of targeted grants and scholarships. Visit www.rasf.org.au for more information on the RAS Foundation.

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RASF empowers Sydney tertiary students to reach dreams

RASF empowers Sydney tertiary students to reach dreams

Wednesday, 22 June, 2016 The Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS) Foundation is proud to announce that 7 students from Sydney were among 58 recipients awarded Rural Scholarships in 2016, an initiative designed to ensure an increased flow of skilled people to rural and regional NSW communities. The students are: Jessica Capps (Buxton), Rebecca Duncan (West Hoxton), Tayla Field (Sydney), Tara Needham (Sydney), Napassom Holmes (Phuket), Zachary Jobson (Frenchs Forest) Jaslyn Tuckwell (Bundeena). Scholarships are awarded to students based on financial need and desire to live, work and contribute to country NSW, and offer $5,000 for full-time study and $2,500 for part-time study. RAS Foundation Executive Officer, Kate Ross, said this is the most diverse group of students the RAS Foundation has supported since the inception of the program in 2011, and is thrilled the Foundation will again provide a stepping stone for bright futures. "This year the RAS Foundation will proudly support an incredibly diverse group of talented individuals, all with unique and inspiring backgrounds. We have mature aged students, a single father, a Vietnamese refugee as well as a young Indigenous woman, who is the first of 52 grandchildren to attend University; and that’s just a few  of the 58," Ms Ross said. "The RAS Foundation is committed to helping rural Australians realise their potential through education. Each year, we are impressed with the quality of applicants and inspired by their journeys." "We again look forward to supporting these rural-minded students as they work towards achieving their goals," Ms Ross said. Applications for the RASF’s 2017 Rural Scholarship open on 1 July 2016 and can be accessed online at rasnsw.com.au/foundation . The RAS Foundation has awarded over $1.4m to rural scholarship recipients since 2011.   For further information, including high resolution images, please contact: Danielle Sammut - Marketing Coordinator P: (02) 9704 1239 | E: dsammut@rasnsw.com.au   About the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS) Foundation: The RAS Foundation is a charitable foundation that encourages educational opportunities and helps build strong and sustainable rural and regional communities through a range of targeted grants and scholarships. Visit www.rasf.org.au for more information on the RAS Foundation.

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RASF empowers South West Slopes tertiary students to reach dreams

RASF empowers South West Slopes tertiary students to reach dreams

Wednesday, 22 June, 2016 The Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS) Foundation is proud to announce that 5 students from the South West Slopes were among 58 recipients awarded Rural Scholarships in 2016, an initiative designed to ensure an increased flow of skilled people to rural and regional NSW communities. The students are: Samuel Bush (Cootamundra), Kimberley Gilbert (Young), Harrison Sellers (Delegate), Claudia Raleigh (Cootamundra), Eliza Joyce Coles (Boorowa). Scholarships are awarded to students based on financial need and desire to live, work and contribute to country NSW, and offer $5,000 for full-time study and $2,500 for part-time study. RAS Foundation Executive Officer, Kate Ross, said this is the most diverse group of students the RAS Foundation has supported since the inception of the program in 2011, and is thrilled the Foundation will again provide a stepping stone for bright futures. "This year the RAS Foundation will proudly support an incredibly diverse group of talented individuals, all with unique and inspiring backgrounds. We have mature aged students, a single father, a Vietnamese refugee as well as a young Indigenous woman, who is the first of 52 grandchildren to attend University; and that’s just a few  of the 58," Ms Ross said. "The RAS Foundation is committed to helping rural Australians realise their potential through education. Each year, we are impressed with the quality of applicants and inspired by their journeys." "We again look forward to supporting these rural-minded students as they work towards achieving their goals," Ms Ross said. Applications for the RASF's 2017 Rural Scholarship open on 1 July 2016 and can be accessed online at rasnsw.com.au/foundation The RAS Foundation has awarded over $1.4m to rural scholarship recipients since 2011.   For further information, including high resolution images, please contact: Danielle Sammut - Marketing Coordinator P: (02) 9704 1239 | E: dsammut@rasnsw.com.au   About the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS) Foundation: The RAS Foundation is a charitable foundation that encourages educational opportunities and helps build strong and sustainable rural and regional communities through a range of targeted grants and scholarships. Visit www.rasf.org.au for more information on the RAS Foundation.

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RASF empowers Northern Rivers tertiary students to reach dreams

RASF empowers Northern Rivers tertiary students to reach dreams

Wednesday, 22 June, 2016 The Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS) Foundation is proud to announce that 3 students from the Northern Rivers were among 58 recipients awarded Rural Scholarships in 2016, an initiative designed to ensure an increased flow of skilled people to rural and regional NSW communities. The students are: Aaron Ray (Uki), Ann Shipman (Glenreagh) and Vanamali Hermans (Murwillumbah). Scholarships are awarded to students based on financial need and desire to live, work and contribute to country NSW, and offer $5,000 for full-time study and $2,500 for part-time study. RAS Foundation Executive Officer, Kate Ross, said this is the most diverse group of students the RAS Foundation has supported since the inception of the program in 2011, and is thrilled the Foundation will again provide a stepping stone for bright futures. "This year the RAS Foundation will proudly support an incredibly diverse group of talented individuals, all with unique and inspiring backgrounds. We have mature aged students, a single father, a Vietnamese refugee as well as a young Indigenous woman, who is the first of 52 grandchildren to attend University; and that’s just a few  of the 58," Ms Ross said. "The RAS Foundation is committed to helping rural Australians realise their potential through education. Each year, we are impressed with the quality of applicants and inspired by their journeys." "We again look forward to supporting these rural-minded students as they work towards achieving their goals," Ms Ross said. Applications for the RASF's 2017 Rural Scholarship open on 1 July 2016 and can be accessed online at rasnsw.com.au/foundation The RAS Foundation has awarded over $1.4m to rural scholarship recipients since 2011.   For further information, including high resolution images, please contact: Danielle Sammut - Marketing Coordinator P: (02) 9704 1239 | E: dsammut@rasnsw.com.au   About the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS) Foundation: The RAS Foundation is a charitable foundation that encourages educational opportunities and helps build strong and sustainable rural and regional communities through a range of targeted grants and scholarships. Visit www.rasf.org.au for more information on the RAS Foundation.

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