Vocational Partnerships Group (VPG), through its Tablelands University Centre (TUC), is proud to announce the winners of the 2024 Kaban Education Scholarship program.
The program awards two $5,000 scholarships to support rural students in their higher education and vocational training pursuits – one for a university student and one for a trade or vocational pathway student.
The selection process was competitive, with applicants assessed on their aspirations, dedication to their chosen fields, long-term goals, and the potential impact of the scholarship on their educational journey.
Among the scholarship winners is Sophie Jonsson, a lifelong resident of Evelyn currently pursuing her higher education goals in Gatton at the University of Queensland after completing Year 12 at Mount St Bernard in 2023.
Sophie’s passion for agriculture, rooted in her experiences growing up on a family farm, drives her pursuit of a dual Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Science and Business.
“My inspiration to pursue a career in agriculture stems from a combination of personal experiences and influential family figures, primarily my dad,” Sophie shared.
“Growing up in a rural setting, I witnessed the dedication and resilience of my dad, who worked tirelessly to plant and harvest the crops, never taking a day off.
“His passion for sustainable farming practices and commitment to continuing the family farming generation influenced me to move off the farm, get an education, and bring something back to the table,” said Ms Jonsson.
Through her higher education achievements, Sophie aims to work locally in agricultural research, collaborating with farmers and communities to enhance food production and conventional farming methods.
For Sophie, the scholarship will ease the financial load of tuition fees, study resources, and travel, allowing her to focus on her education, personal development, and visit home during her Uni break.
The second recipient is Toby Wright, a Millstream local and an apprentice butcher at Bones Knob Butchery in Tolga, where he is pursuing a Certificate III in Meat Processing.
Toby’s decision to follow the butchery pathway was influenced by his grandfather.
“My pop inspired me to go down the butcher pathway as it is a career many of my family members have pursued.
“He unfortunately passed away last year, so I have chosen to put 110% effort into making him proud,” Toby shared.
The scholarship will assist Toby with travel costs for commuting to work daily between Millstream and Tolga, as well as acquiring essential work equipment, uniforms and safety gear.
With a long-term goal of starting his own mobile butcher business in rural towns, Toby is motivated to complete his apprenticeship and eager to make the most of this support.
VPG CEO and TUC Leader Maryanne Tranter congratulated the winners.
“We are proud to support Sophie and Toby on their educational journeys.
“Their passion and commitment exemplify the very essence of our Scholarship program – and we are proud to be able to support them as they take steps towards their education goals”, she said.
The scholarship program was funded under the 2023 Kaban Green Power Hub Community Benefit Fund and facilitated by VPG.