Applications are now open for the SunRice Group’s 2025 Jan Cathcart Memorial Scholarship, offering a unique professional experience pathway and opportunity to help shape the future of the Australian rice industry.

The Scholarship, which was established in honour of Jan Cathcart’s remarkable 43-year career in the Australian rice industry, aims to empower and nurture the next generation of female leaders in agriculture. The esteemed Scholarship program is now in its 11th year and offers an exceptional opportunity for women involved in the Australian rice industry and its related agricultural networks to advance their education and careers. The recipient of the 2025 Jan Cathcart Memorial Scholarship will be granted up to $30,000 in financial assistance for tertiary study, alongside invaluable prospects for work experience and employment placement within the rice industry.

The application window is open until Monday 9 December 2024, and the scholarship winner will be publicly announced in early 2025.

SunRice Group Chairman, Mr Laurie Arthur, said the Scholarship plays an important role in developing talented women who are passionate about shaping the Australian rice industry.

“Through the Jan Cathcart Scholarship, we continue to pay tribute to and celebrate Jan's legacy by nurturing the future of the rice industry. We've been empowering women for over a decade with both financial support and industry guidance, supporting their growth along the path Jan once trod," Mr Arthur said.

"It’s been wonderful to see how past recipients have flourished within the SunRice Group and the wider Australian rice industry. They've forged a resilient alumnae network, which is a testament to the power of industry support and shared motivation.”

Moulamein’s Hope Fitzpatrick was a 2024 joint winner of the prestigious scholarship. She is pictured above with fellow winner Ava Christie, from Albury.

“Receiving the Jan Cathcart Scholarship is a true honour. Meeting other Scholarship recipients has been an inspiring experience, allowing me to connect with like-minded women who share similar passions and goals,” Ms Fitzpatrick said.. “Being part of this community and a supportive organisation offers invaluable opportunities for personal growth and networking, where I can learn from diverse perspectives and work toward making a meaningful impact in the future”