In 2018, Riverine Plains Inc launched the John Hanrahan Scholarship to recognise and encourage agricultural excellence in the Riverine Plains region.

The Scholarship is named in honour of John Hanrahan, a successful and experienced farmer and respected community member from Coreen, who passed away suddenly in 2014.

Through a generous donation made by the Hanrahan family, Riverine Plains Inc has been able to establish the Scholarship in John’s name to honour his passion for farming, his thirst for knowledge and his sense of community.

The Scholarship, which is awarded annually, aims to support a local second year student through their agriculture or agribusiness studies.

The inaugural recipient of the John Hanrahan Scholarship was Melbourne University student, Mitch Priestly (2019), while Sophie Hanna (Walwa) and Lachlan Quibell (Marungi), who are both studying at the University of Melbourne, were named as the 2020 recipients.

Applications for the 2021 John Hanrahan Scholarship have now closed. The 2021 recipient will receive a bursary of $5,000, access to work experience opportunities (with either Riverine Plains Inc or as arranged through our networks), opportunities to network and gain knowledge through free access to all Riverine Plains events, as well as mentoring by a current board member.

Applications for the 2022 Scholarship will open in June/July 2021 to first year Agriculture or Agribusiness degree or diploma students, entering their second year of studies in 2022. Applicants must be studying full-time and be an Australian permanent resident or citizen.

Students aged between 18 and 30 from the Riverine Plains region of north eastern Victoria and the southern Riverina region of NSW will be eligible to apply.

Note: Both the John Hanrahan Scholarship and the inaugural UNCLE TOBYS Scholarship are being administered through the Riverine Plains Scholarship Fund.

Students who come from the Riverine Plains region of north eastern Victoria and the southern Riverina region of NSW are eligible to apply.