Rio Tinto Groundbreaker Scholarships

April 26, 2017

To celebrate Rio Tinto’s 50th anniversary and commitment to supporting Western Australian agriculture, four scholarships of $3750 have been awarded to talented tertiary students.

The Rio Tinto Groundbreaker Scholarships are delivered through the Royal Agricultural Society of WA (RASWA), the not-for-profit organisation that supports the state’s primary industries.

James Davison, General Manager – Studies & Technology, Rio Tinto, said the company was proud to support four agricultural and environment scholarships as part of the company’s 50th anniversary year legacy.

“Rio Tinto’s anniversary year acknowledged and thanked everyone who has been part of the 50-year journey. As part of our legacy to the State, together with the Royal Agricultural Society we are supporting four scholarships for students pursuing agricultural or environment studies.

“Rio Tinto has a long history with the agricultural industry and we own six pastoral stations and are one of the largest cattle owners in Western Australia.”

The criteria for the scholarships focused on the student’s passion for agriculture and the environment, their intended career path, and contributions to WA primary industry and the community.

A high number of quality applicants made judging difficult, but four outstanding candidates were chosen for their excellence in all fields.

Erin Pope of Moorine Rock has completed a Bachelor of Agribusiness at Curtin University and will use the scholarship to pursue her Honours.

Quentin Wong of Nollamara will use the scholarship to pursue a Juris Doctor (Postgraduate Law) to complement his Bachelor of Science in Natural Resource Management and Human Geography and Town Planning from the University of Western Australia.

Naomi Leahy of Bedfordale will apply the scholarship towards her completion of a Double Major in Animal Science and Animal Health at Murdoch University.

Komala Ravendran of Duncraig has completed her Bachelor in Animal Science at Murdoch University and will use the scholarship to complete her Honours.

“RASWA encourages and supports a number of educational and training opportunities across a diverse range of agricultural and agribusiness areas to stimulate students to either consider or continue a career in agriculture in Western Australia,” said RASWA President Rob Wilson.

“We welcome the support of companies like Rio Tinto to assist RASWA in providing these opportunities as part of a shared commitment to the State’s agricultural and environmental future.”