Barcaldine student, Rhiannon Bennett, has been selected as one of nine Rural Bank Scholarship recipients who will receive financial support to the value of $5,000, to help fund her degree in Behavioural Science at QUT.
Growing up in Barcaldine in central Queensland, Rhiannon made the difficult decision to move 1,000 kilometres away from home to follow her passion in behavioural science.
Having experienced first-hand, the effects drought and natural disasters can have on a farming community’s mental health, Rihannon is passionate about supporting the psychological wellbeing of rural farmers and those in remote areas.
“Accessing psychological services can often be difficult for those in rural communities. Seeing those around me suffer from depression, anxiety and other mental illnesses led me to pursue the behavioural science (psychology) course.
“After completing my studies I hope to return home to my local community to educate farmers and help raise awareness about mental health.
“My dream is to help the agricultural industry grow and prosper by providing support and assistance to those in need, and helping to break the stigma surrounding mental health in farming,” Ms Bennett said.
Managing Director and CEO of Rural Bank, Alexandra Gartmann, said she was encouraged by the volume and quality of applications received, and was particularly heartened to see their determination and commitment to contribute to the sector.
“The future of Australian agriculture is absolutely dependent on the development of a new generation of rural leaders, and we’re firmly committed to supporting youth as they take the first steps in their journey within this dynamic sector,” Ms Gartmann said.
“Access to tertiary education continues to be a significant barrier for the many driven and talented young people living in rural and regional communities. However, it is scholarship schemes such as this one that help bridge the gap and provide students with the vital financial support they need to embark on their studies.
“It is abundantly clear from the 136 applications received this year that Australian youth are passionate about the sector. We’ve seen a significant jump in female applications for the program as well as an increased appetite to explore alternative avenues to engage in agriculture through courses such as the behavioural sciences.”
Scholarship recipients will receive financial support to the value of $5,000 for the first year of their studies to contribute to the costs of accommodation, course materials, equipment and tutoring. Subject to academic performance, scholarship funding will also be extended to support a second year of study.
To learn more about the 2017 Rural Bank Scholarship Program and recipients, visit www.ruralbank.com.au.
QUT media contact: Rose Trapnell, QUT media team leader, 07 3138 2361, 0407 585 901, rose.trapnell@qut.edu.au or media@qut.edu.au
