RAA research scholarship winners announced

A University of Sydney student studying family succession and a Newcastle University student studying how rural women cope with drought are winners of the 2012 NSW Rural Assistance Authority (RAA) Higher Degree Research Scholarships.

"The 2012 RAA scholarships go to University of Sydney student Erin Smith and Jane Rich from the University of Newcastle," General Manager of the Rural Assistance Authority Steve Griffith said.

"Each will receive a $10,000 grant that will help them conduct their research and develop their expertise.

"I congratulate Erin and Jane on their wins and wish them well in their studies.

"Both are highly successful post-graduate students with an outstanding academic record."

Mr Griffith said the aim of the RAA scholarships is to support research work by post-graduate students enrolled in NSW universities which assist in building productive and sustainable agricultural businesses, or sustainable and successful rural communities.

Erin Smith has a deep passion for rural issues coming from a farming background and working in rural research.

She is currently completing a PhD thesis on the effects of the separation of land and water titles on farm adjustment and family succession strategies among farmers in the Murray-Darling Basin.

This research will highlight the implications of altering traditional private property arrangements for the development of sustainable and successful farm businesses.

Jane Rich is currently completing her PhD program in the School of Medicine and Public Health at Newcastle University.

The aim of Jane’s research is to understand how rural women have coped with the most recent drought and will provide the missing link to understanding how communities remain successful and sustainable over an extensive time in drought.

Ms Rich’s research is an interdisciplinary investigation drawing on a range of areas, geography, health, science, and sociology.

These aspects will be drawn together to explore women’s experiences with drought over a 15 year period and how resilience leads to wellbeing and sustainable communities in rural Australia.

For further information on, or to apply for the 2013 RAA Higher Degree Research Scholarships please call the RAA on
1800 678 593 or visit www.raa.nsw.gov.au

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