The Royal Agricultural Society Foundation, together with Quayclean Australia, have announced Monique Morgan from Trundle and Timothy Nelson from Tooleybuc as two of the 73 recipients of the RAS Foundation’s 2023 Rural Scholarship program.

Supporting regional and rural students from a diverse range of tertiary study and training pursuits, the scholarships assist students who are studying at a recognised University or TAFE and who have a desire to give back to regional NSW.

Quayclean is a proud supporter of the RAS Foundation’s scholarship program and is delighted to be contributing $6,000 each to Morgan and Timothy to assist with their full-time studies.

The scholarship forms part of Quayclean’s long-term partnership with the Sydney Showgrounds where we provide day-to-day and event cleaning, waste management and recycling services.

Monique grew up in Trundle, a small farming community in central western NSW, and moved to Bathurst in 2022 to study a Bachelor of Nursing. She is now in her second year of study.

As she grew up in a small rural area, Monique understands the health inequities faced, especially in the field of mental health.

Upon graduating, Monique wishes to return to rural NSW and help address the mental health issues experienced by those in the bush and provide a positive impact to those who struggle with their mental wellbeing.

“This scholarship has been a significant help for me while carrying out university,” Monique said.

“The funds have assisted with my on-campus accommodation at university and will further contribute to this when the following instalments are made. This scholarship has taken away a large amount of stress that is involved with university and for that I am very thankful,” she added.

Timothy comes from the Western Riverina district and has spent his whole life in rural and remote areas.

Timothy is in his final year studying a Bachelor of Nursing at the Albury campus of Charles Sturt University and believes a nursing career will allow him to contribute and give back to his community by providing high-quality medical care which is lacking in many rural areas.

Once his studies are complete, Timothy plans to return to the Western Riverina.

“Thanks to the RAS Foundation Scholarship, I can dedicate more time to my studies without the burden of working long hours to support myself financially,” Timothy said.

“Over the past six months, as part of my program in Albury, I have been fortunate to participate in various work placements, including a medical ward in Wangaratta and a small health service in Hay.

“However, during these placements, I am unable to work to supplement my income, which often leads to financial strain for me and many other students. The RAS Foundation Rural Scholarship has alleviated this significant financial burden, enabling me to focus more on my studies and pursue my goal of becoming a healthcare professional,” he added.

RAS Foundation Manager, Cecilia Logan, said the program aims to build strong, vibrant, and resilient rural communities by enabling students to access post high school education and training.

“The RASF Rural Scholarship program is vital in assisting students from regional NSW and the ACT pursue their dream careers,” Ms Logan said.

“For most regional students, further study requires them to relocate and move away from their families. These scholarships are designed to assist with accommodation, textbooks or income and allow them to focus on their studies,” Mrs Logan said.

“Our scholars come from all corners of our state, but the one thing they have in common is a passion to give back to regional communities.”

Quayclean Chief Executive, Mark Piwkowski, congratulated Monique and Timothy on their scholarships.

“Through our work at the annual Sydney Royal Easter Show, we have witnessed first-hand the wonderful contribution regional men and women make to NSW and Australia,” said Piwkowski.

“We are honoured to partner with the RAS Foundation to assist Monique and Timothy with their tertiary education studies and allow to give back and help shape regional and rural NSW communities,” added Piwkowski.

Visit www.rasf.org.au for more information on the RAS Foundation.

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