Jan Cathcart Scholarship
a fitting legacy for women in the Australian rice industry
Applications are open for the 2024 Scholarship
The Scholarship program was launched in 2014 to honour the memory of long-term SunRice employee Jan Cathcart and recognise her high principles, commitment and 43-year contribution to the rice industry, SunRice, and our shareholders and growers. It is designed to support women who demonstrate a passion for and commitment to the rice industry and who can contribute to shaping a positive future for our industry.
The Scholarship is open to female shareholders, growers and employees and their extended families. We encourage women from across our networks to apply, or to nominate other eligible women who would benefit from the program.
One applicant will be selected to receive a $10,000 scholarship for each year of her tertiary study, for up to three years, to start in the first Semester of 2024. The successful applicant will be chosen on: her commitment to a career in agriculture or agribusiness; her involvement in work experience and community service; leadership potential; and academic achievements.
To be eligible for the Jan Cathcart Scholarship, an applicant's tertiary study will ideally be aligned to professional positions for which there is growing demand across regional Australia. These would include, but not be limited to, agricultural science, engineering; finance/business and Information technology. Priority will be given to applicants from regional Australia, preferably those from rice growing areas, however we welcome all suitable applications. The Scholarship is open to both eligible students currently studying at university or new students attending their first year of university in 2024.
Scholarship applications close on the 10th of November 2023.
To apply for the 2024 Scholarship, please apply online here or
download the application form on this site and send your completed form to
Maria Ryan by email to training@sunrice.com.au or
post to 57 Yanco Avenue, Leeton, NSW 2705.
Scholarship applications close on the 10th of November 2023.
Here’s what some past Jan Cathcart Scholars have to say
Emily Fasham
Listen as 2019 winner Emily Fasham explains how the Jan Cathcart Scholarship offers so many opportunities for personal growth and exploration of different career pathways.
Ally Morona
Listen as 2020 winner Alexandra ‘Ally’ Morona explains how the Jan Cathcart Scholarship creates diverse opportunities for women to come together and contribute to the regional communities they grew up in.
Other past scholars
"The Scholarship fosters a strong sense of community for women in agriculture, and has ensured that young women are supported in their education and endeavours, which they can bring back to the industry and farming communities."
Lily Delves, 2023 recipient - to read a Q&A with Lily,
click here.
"This Scholarship represents a remarkable opportunity that empowers women to pursue careers aligned with their passions, irrespective of their chosen field. It serves as a catalyst for women to pursue their aspirations and leave a lasting impact, not only within the rice industry but also within their local communities."
Tiarna Burke, 2023 recipient - to read a Q&A with Tiarna,
click here.
“The Scholarship supports, nurtures, and encourages country girls like me to get out there and make a difference to the rice industry and our local community—just like Jan Cathcart did herself. This support will significantly benefit the rice industry as I am yet to meet a Jan Cathcart scholar who isn’t greatly passionate about growing and enhancing our rice communities and greater industry. It is a fantastic alumnae and I feel very privileged to be a part of it.”
Rebecca Groat, 2022 recipient - to read a Q&A with Rebecca,
click here.
“Since receiving the Scholarship, I was offered a fantastic role in SunRice’s legal department as a paralegal both in the Leeton and Sydney offices. It has been incredible to have the opportunity to work at SunRice and get hands-on experience at the same time as studying a Bachelor of Law majoring in Commerce Law. It has been a life changing experience for me, and I would recommend it to any aspiring future female leader.”
Charlie Reilly, 2021 recipient - to read a Q&A with Charlie,
click here.
“I believe the Scholarship is of great value as it encourages and nurtures young women to be actively involved in the rice industry. The Jan Cathcart Scholarship creates diverse opportunities by enabling women from a range of fields to come together and contribute to the regional communities they grew up in."
Alexandra Morona, 2020 recipient - to read a Q&A with Alexandra,
click here.
“In the future, I see myself researching rice varieties and developing new strategies to make rice growing more accessible for farmers as it has been a major income for my family for over 50 years. The Scholarship has helped me gain practical skills that coincide with the theory I have been learning in my degree, which will enable me to be more prepared for this future career path.”
Emily Fasham, 2019 recipient - to read a Q&A with Emily,
click here.
“I applied for the Jan Cathcart Scholarship because of how much the rice industry has given my family and how much I want to contribute and give back. Jan left the most incredible legacy and I think if I can be half the woman she was, then that would be enough. I highly encourage young women to apply for the Scholarship to further develop and support the rice industry.”
Annabel Arnold, 2018 recipient – to read a Q&A with Annabel,
click here.