$100,000 boost for First Nations agricultural students

In November 2021, Riverina Oils threw its support behind First Nations students and the future of the agricultural sector by pledging $100,000 for scholarships.

The Riverina Oils Indigenous Agriculture Support Scholarships will assist First Nations students to commence or complete a degree in agricultural studies at Charles Sturt University and help address the critical and overdue need for agriculture to connect with Indigenous people.

First Nations people have managed the landscape for thousands of years and their kinship with country has great synergy for long-term careers in the agricultural sector. Charles Sturt University seeks to preserve and integrate Indigenous land management into contemporary agriculture study and research while fostering indigenous knowledge of land management practices and supporting career development.

Scott Whiteman, CEO of Riverina Oils, believes it is important for the business to do its part in providing sustainable employment for First Nations people in the agricultural sector.

“We have a lot to learn from our Indigenous community, particularly with respect to agriculture and land management. We are looking to help foster Indigenous careers, not just jobs.

“Riverina Oils is eager to help and contribute to a generational change in our Indigenous communities. Our aim is to provide opportunities, and that’s why it was so important for us to work with Charles Sturt University to offer this scholarship.” This generous donation will see four scholarships worth $25,000 each awarded between 2022 and 2025 and could make all the difference when it comes to students having the financial capacity to commence or complete an agricultural degree at Charles Sturt.

Each recipient will contribute to research about First Nations agricultural and land management practices with a goal of integrating these cultural learnings into Charles Sturt agriculture courses – all made possible thanks to the generosity of Riverina Oils.

Find out more or donate here: www.csu.edu.au/office/ advancement/giving-to-csu/give-now

Brogan Finnerty, Scott Whiteman, Jim Pratley and Daniel Challis