The next generation of Western Downs agricultural leaders is turning dreams into reality thanks to a long-standing partnership between Dalby State High School and Dalby-based natural gas company Arrow Energy.
For more than 10 years, Arrow Energy has offered agricultural scholarships to students in years eight to 12 at Dalby State High School.
Each year, up to 10 students are awarded scholarships valued at $5000 to help with tuition and boarding costs at the school’s residential facility Bunya Campus.
Speaking at a presentation ceremony for this year’s scholarship recipients, Arrow Energy’s general manager for reputation Kellie Scheider said the initiative underscored Arrow’s commitment to supporting rural communities and the local agricultural sector.
“Well done to all of the students who received a scholarship this year – the quality of this year’s recipients is outstanding,” she said.
“Since 2011, we’ve been proud to partner with Dalby State High School to offer these scholarships to students from farming or rural backgrounds.
“Not only are we giving these students a head start on pursuing their dream careers, but we’re also contributing to a stronger, more sustainable agricultural community in the Western Downs.”
Kellie said the scholarships were introduced to help reduce the financial burden on rural families, allowing students to focus on their studies and complete their education.
“We recognise the significant cost pressures that many rural families face when it comes to their children’s education,” she said.
“Many families are forced to make difficult decisions on priorities, such as whether to send their children to boarding school.
“These scholarships help ensure financial constraints don’t impede the educational opportunities for students from farming or rural backgrounds.”
Head of the Bunya Campus Anne Rathmell said the scholarships built upon the school’s proud history of developing the next generation of agricultural leaders.
“Agriculture education is a key focus for us at Dalby State High School and we’re incredibly grateful to Arrow Energy for their generous support over the past 14 years,” she said.
“These scholarships make it possible for passionate rural kids to come to school and complete not only their education but pursue their chosen careers in the agricultural sector.”
One of this year’s scholarship recipients, year eight student Layne Millican, said the scholarship would help him pursue his dream of working on a large cattle station.
“I come from a cattle farm near Durong and work closely with our neighbours and friend’s farm who breed cattle, in particular Angus and Speckle Park breeds,” Layne said.
“This scholarship will enable me to continue to board at Bunya Campus where I can continue to develop my skills and access a good education to further my career in agriculture.
“I get more exposure here to the industry and appreciate the mentorship I get from staff and fellow students who have similar goals.”
Formerly the Dalby Agricultural College, Dalby State High School’s Bunya Campus is a purpose-built residential facility that can cater for up to 116 students.
The campus boasts the largest school farm in Queensland, providing students with training in agricultural science and agricultural certificate courses.
The 2024 scholarship recipients:
• Jade Akehurst
• Lilly Anderson
• Cassie Cooke
• Johnny Elliott
• Luke Hartley
• Hannah Kelly
• Layne Millican
• Rhiannon Ryan
• Pheebe Usher
• Brianna White
