Five young rural leaders have been awarded NSW Farmers Tertiary Scholarships as the organisation’s annual conference ushered in a new leadership team and renewed focus on the next generation of agriculture.
The 2025 scholarship recipients were Reuben Huf of Sleepy Hollow, Kari Donaldson of Willala, Charlotte Leys of Goolhi, Grace Wilkes-Bowes of Naradhan, and Abigail Tozer of Wallendbeen.
Each year, NSW Farmers awards five scholarships to support members or their children undertaking university or vocational study in areas that benefit agriculture or regional Australia.
Bachelor of Nursing student Charlotte Leys said the scholarship would help her contribute to the rural community that shaped her.
“This scholarship is very meaningful to me, but also for the rural communities I plan to support in the future,” Ms Leys said.
“I am incredibly grateful to live in such a small yet tight-knit rural community, and I want to utilise my studies in a way that can give back, especially in the field of rural health.
“This support from NSW Farmers is not just supporting students like me, but is also an investment in the future of rural communities.”
NSW Young Farmers Chair Martin Murray said the scholarships aimed to give young people in agriculture the best chance to succeed.
“As an industry body, we have a responsibility to give the talented next generation coming through the very best possible chance to succeed and secure a brighter farming future,” Mr Murray said.
“These recipients are to be congratulated for their efforts, and I look forward to seeing all they are able to achieve with the help of the program now and into the future.”
The 2025 NSW Farmers Tertiary Scholarship recipients
- Kari Donaldson, Willala – John White Memorial Scholarship
- Reuben Huf, Sleepy Hollow – E.L. O’Brien Scholarship
- Charlotte Leys, Goolhi – Alan Chapman Memorial Scholarship
- Grace Wilkes-Bowes, Naradhan – Graham Blatch Memorial Goobang Scholarship
- Abigail Tozer, Wallendbeen – Paul Lockyer Memorial Scholarship
Conference delegates also backed a motion calling for a first farm buyer’s scheme, similar to the first home buyer’s scheme, to make it easier for young farmers to purchase land.
NSW Farmers President Xavier Martin said the idea was about fairness and food security.
“First home buyers get support and so it’s only fair that the same is available to those buying their first farm too,” Mr Martin said.
“Our food security depends on our farmers – but if they can’t get their foot in the door of some farmland, and fast, we won’t have any left.”
The annual conference also saw elections for several leadership positions. Peter Wilson was re-elected as Treasurer, and Glen Andreazza, Shane Kilby and David Young were elected to the NSW Farmers Board.
Glen Andreazza, from the Griffith branch, brings 40 years of farming experience and has served on the Executive Council for the past two years. A long-time member of the NSW Rural Fire Service, Mr Andreazza was named NSW Farmer of the Year in 2018 and is passionate about sustainable agriculture and supporting young people in the industry.
Shane Kilby, a Dubbo branch member, returns to the board after five years of previous service. He holds qualifications in economics and management and has chaired the Corporate Governance Committee, with a focus on financial strength and strategic planning.
David Young, a wool producer from the Yass district and long-time member of NSW Farmers, also serves on the wool committee and the board of Wool Producers. Originally from the Riverina, he is focused on growing membership and ensuring strong representation for the sector.
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