Peter Westblade Scholarship in its 3rd year
The Peter Westblade Scholarship has been designed and developed for up and coming young people interested in a career in the Australian sheep industry.
Now entering its third year, the Peter Westblade Scholarship will provide cash and in-kind support of up to the value of $10,000 over a 12-month period.
The Peter Westblade Scholarship aims to assist with the provision of practical skills training, mentoring and establishment of industry networks for young people who are passionate about the sheep and wool industry and aspire to have a career in this dynamic industry.
Applications are welcome from young people involved with any level of the industry, from the farm to all the sectors that provide services or research to the sheep industry.
The Peter Westblade Scholarship honours the late Peter Westblade, who sadly passed away in 2008. Peter was a true visionary of the sheep industry, epitomising compassion and devotion to a cause.
Peter was passionate about breeding profitable sheep; a strong supporter of young people interested in agriculture and had a balanced approach. His legacy lives strongly amongst those who had the fortune to know such a great person.
Over a 12-month period the successful applicant will spend time with leading specialists in the sheep and wool industry. The 12-month period will be tailored to the successful applicants needs to foster and enable the recipient the maximum benefit from the experience.
The Peter Westblade Scholarship will provide opportunities to network with other industry likeminded people, be exposed to leading Merino breeders from across Australia and have involvement in Australia’s largest commercial genetic trial.
“Being part of the PWS has been a great experience; it has given me the opportunity to create a rounded and invaluable network for both my personal and professional life with like-minded people. It has helped me to see the innovative ideas and technology in which I learnt about at university, but didn’t get to fully experience in the commercial world. The scholarship has also presented me with a job change back to rural NSW from Sydney” said Miss Annabel Lugsdin, 2013 PWS recipient.
The Peter Westblade Scholarship foundation has been set up and supported by individuals in the sheep industry and has been developed in conjunction with the Peter Westblade Memorial Merino Challenge (PWMMC) which has been developed to assist Merino breeding operations make more informed decisions on their Merino genetics.
“We believe there is a strong future in the sheep industry and by encouraging and showing young people what opportunities exist, the Peter Westblade Scholarship has been designed to add value to the many secondary and tertiary education funds that already exist” Sally Martin said.
For more information contact Sally Martin M: 0400 782 477; E: info@peterwestbladescholarship.com.au or visit www.peterwestbladescholarship.com.au to down load the application form. Applications open on the 25th November 2013 and close on the 10th January, 2014.