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25 November 2020
Kaniva’s Kate Maddern plans to use her scholarship to one of the most prestigious universities in the world to further her studies in sustainable agriculture.
Ms Maddern, who grew up on a farm in the Wimmera, has won a 2021 Victoria Rhodes Scholarship into the University of Oxford.
Victorian Governor Linda Dessau announced the scholarship at Government House late last month.
Ms Maddern said she was a passionate advocate for advancing sustainable food production.
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She said she was eager to enable agriculture to become a leading force recognised for its sustainability and advances in technology, while continuing to produce food and fibre for all.
“Growing up on a sheep and grain farm in the Wimmera, farming with a focus on sustainability is an issue close to my heart,” she said.
“With this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity my goal is to apply the education, skills and experiences that come with a Rhodes Scholar towards a more sustainable future for Australia’s agriculture industry.”
Ms Maddern plans to travel to Oxford University in September 2021, where she hopes to enrol in a Bachelor of Arts with a focus on philosophy, politics and economics with a senior status.
She completed a bachelor degree in advanced science with honours at Monash University in 2019, majoring in ecology and conservation biology.
“Learning that I’d won the 2021 Victorian Rhodes Scholarship was incredible,” Ms Maddern said.
“It opens up a whole new world of opportunity to better understand how markets and policy influence Australian agriculture and the effects this has on farmers.”
Ms Maddern had leadership roles while she studied at Monash and is a volunteer firefighter in the Sandsmere CFA brigade. She has participated and volunteered in squash and netball clubs while at school, at Monash and in the Kaniva community.
Each year, nine Rhodes Scholarships are offered to ‘outstanding’ Australians to study at the University of Oxford.
The entire November 25, 2020 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!
The entire November 25, 2020 edition of AgLife is available online. READ IT HERE!
