APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR SYDNEY ROYAL WINE SCHOLARSHIP

Are you a student who is passionate about pursuing a career in the Australian wine industry? Applications are now open for the annual Sydney Royal Wine Scholarship.

The Macquarie Group Sydney Royal Wine Show has partnered with the RAS Foundation, with the vision to assist the development of Australia’s next generation of wine industry leaders.

Donated by the Sydney Royal Wine Committee, the Graham Thorp Scholarship was developed to honour the contribution of past Chairman Graham Thorp, who presided over the Wine Committee from 1984-1990.

Sydney Royal Wine Show committee Chairperson Lyndey Milan said that the committee is dedicated to supporting the industry at the grassroots level and fulfilling the RAS charter of promoting education in agriculture.

“Students who are committed to forging a career across a broad range of skills within the wine industry are encouraged to apply. The Scholarship offers $5,000 for full-time study and $2,500 for part-time study with the successful recipient also having the opportunity to steward at the2014 Macquarie Group Sydney Royal Wine Show,” said Ms Milan.

Brendan Carter, a viticulture and oenology student at the University of Adelaide was the recipient of the 2013 scholarship.

“The experiences and networking opportunities that I was exposed to were invaluable. Being involved at the Macquarie Group Sydney Royal Wine Show gave me a great insight into the processes and skills required to be an accomplished wine judge – an opportunity that I wouldn’t have had without this scholarship,” said Mr Carter.

RAS Foundation Executive Officer, Jocellin Jansson said the scholarship aims to reduce some of the financial challenges students often face when it comes to pursuing their education and training goals.

“The scholarship will provide vital financial support and help foster opportunities for students who are passionate about pursuing careers which will make a positive contribution to the Australian wine industry,” said Ms Jansson.

“In 2013 we reviewed our scope and opened the scholarship up to any student pursuing a career in the Australian wine industry. We cast our net wide and were delighted with the response and standard of applicants. I’m looking forward to seeing the same level of talent again in 2014.”

Interested applicants are encouraged to visit www.rasnsw.com.au/programs to find out more about the Sydney Royal Wine Scholarship and to complete the online application form.

Applications close 30 September, 2013 and the Scholarship will be awarded in February 2014.