Applications are open for prestigious youth scholarships at Melbourne Royal in 2024

What lies ahead for agriculture is firmly in the hands of our youth – which is why Melbourne Royal is dedicated to celebrating and nurturing the sector's young talent through lucrative scholarship programs. 

 

Having joined the Melbourne Royal Emerging Leaders Group soon after its inception in 2021, Andrew Spierings has been Chair since 2023. With an energetic, vibrant team at the helm, Andrew said the group is committed to the future of agriculture. 

“We’re really focused on establishing connections that give people the opportunity to get involved in not just the Melbourne Royal organisation and the Melbourne Royal Show, but other initiatives linked to the agricultural industry,” he said. 

“Unless you have a foot in the door, sometimes it can be difficult for young people to make those connections and we try to provide that for them, open people’s eyes to the opportunities available, and offer pathways to follow them.” 

This year’s scholarship and awards program will offer financial assistance and development opportunities for up and coming agricultural leaders across Victoria. 

Melbourne Royal Rising Star Award

Do you work, volunteer, or make a difference at a local show level? Are you aged between 16-30 and demonstrate Melbourne Royal values (think innovative, respectful and fearless, to name a few)? You could be in line for $1000 prize money to help further your experience and development with agricultural shows in your region; and an incredible networking package.

 

Giorgi Boucher, last year’s Melbourne Royal Rising Star Award recipient at the 2023 Melbourne Royal Show, is a passionate advocate for agricultural shows.

 

“The Melbourne Royal Show has been such a significant event on my calendar for the last ten years, so I’m very thankful that they acknowledge and appreciate my contributions,” said Giorgi.

 

Giorgi acknowledges the significance of winning the Melbourne Royal Rising Star Award, describing how lucky she felt to have been gifted such an invaluable opportunity.

 

“The Rising Star Award provides me an invitation to get more involved with Melbourne Royal and to see what’s going on behind the scenes as part of the committee internship offered through the program,” she said.

 

“These competitions are fantastic opportunities for young people in the community and I would say just get out there and have a go, because you never know where it might lead you,” said Giorgi.

 

Nominations close Thursday 1 August. Apply here.

 

 

Emerging Leader in Victorian Agriculture Award

 

Have you made a significant contribution to your respective field over a 12-month period? Are you aged between 18-35 live in Victoria, and volunteer or significantly contribute to the agricultural industry? You could be just the right person to receive $5000 prize money, plus $2000 worth of networking and training experience to further your development.

 

The Emerging Leader in Victorian Agriculture Award, presented by the Melbourne Royal, honours individuals who have tirelessly devoted themselves to the agricultural sector over the course of 12 months.

 

Aimee Bolton was awarded last year’s Emerging Leader in Victorian Agriculture Award at the 2023 Melbourne Royal Show for her significant contributions to the field through her role at JBS Australia, the nation's largest meat and food processing company.

 

"I feel really happy to have had such a good journey with Melbourne Royal, and it feels special that I've had a lot of involvement with them, judging and volunteering in the carcass competition for about 10 years now,” she said.

 

“Melbourne Royal offers young people in particular such amazing opportunities and this award is no exception.”

 

Nominations close Thursday 1 August. Apply here.