Joint 2016 PWS recipients Emily Anderson (L), Craig Wilson of Craig Wilson Livestock, right, and Josh Malloy
Young people passionate about the sheep and wool industry, and wanting to make a difference, can now apply for the prestigious 2017 Peter Westblade Scholarship.
Now entering its sixth year, the scholarship provides opportunities to experience all aspects of the sheep and wool industry.
Open to young people aged 18 to 30, the scholarship honors the late Peter Westblade, a Lockhart sheep producer passionate about breeding profitable sheep, and a supporter of young people interested in agriculture.
2016 scholarship winners Emily Anderson and Josh Malloy were joint winners from a national field of 24 applicants.
Emily graduated from the University of New England in 2012 and has worked in the family’s sheep and wool enterprise at Binda. She also works part-time for a local contract shearing team.
Miss Anderson’s career goal is to participate in industry networks and groups, and identify and implement improvements to the family farm business.
“The Peter Westblade Scholarship has provided invaluable insights and contacts within the merino industry” Miss Anderson said.
Josh has worked both on and off-farm in the sheep and wool industry since leaving school.
He applied for the scholarship with the expectation of meeting industry leaders and young people with a passion for sheep and wool.
Executive Officer Georgie McGuiness said the scholarship aimed to deliver hands on involvement to young people aspiring for a career in the sheep and wool industry, through a twelve month tailored experience.
“It provides practical education and mentoring for young participants, whilst rubbing shoulders with leaders in all facets of sheep and wool industry. This encourages young people into the industry by exposing them to opportunities and career paths”, Mrs McGuiness said.
The 2017 recipient will receive mentoring from industry leaders, involvement in the industry’s largest commercial genetic trial, practical training, travel and the opportunity to develop wider networks of key industry contacts.
Applications close on Wednesday February 1, 2017 with applicants short-listed in early March for interviews by an industry panel.
The 2017 Peter Westblade Scholarship recipient will be announced at a dinner in Wagga Wagga, NSW, on Thursday April 6, 2017.
For more information visit www.pwscholarship.com.au
