The inaugural “Trevor Dillon Agronomic Roseworthy Study Scholarship” was recently presented to a young fourth generation farmer from Lochiel in the State’s Mid-North by Rural Solutions SA Executive Director, Locky McLaren and Co-patron Chairman of the Roseworthy Campus and Student Fund, Hon Dr Bruce Eastick AM.

Locky McLaren is also the current President of the Roseworthy Old Collegians Association.

Scholarship recipient, eighteen year old Brendan Wallis will now receive full residential support to live and interact with peers within the supportive collegiate environment of Adelaide University’s Roseworthy Campus.

He is currently undertaking first year of study in the Bachelor of Agriculture degree at Roseworthy Campus.

The “Trevor Dillon Agronomic Roseworthy Study Scholarship” was named in memory of Trevor as one of this state’s most respected and high profile advocates for excellence in farming practice over a period of five decades.

Through his work over five decades as an Agronomist with the South Australian Department of Agriculture and retirement as a part-time private consultant, Trevor Dillon focused on encouraging future up-and-coming grass-roots farmers, young agronomists and students looking to embark on a long career path within agriculture.

According to Locky McLaren, with the passing of Trevor Dillon last year the State’s rural sector was overwhelming in its support for the creation of a scholarship that would assist young people to become leaders in practical agriculture.

“In particular, considerable financial support was provided by the Advisory Board of Agriculture and the Agricultural Bureau movement.”

“The Scholarship is a particularly relevant honour to Trevor Dillon, as it was the financial assistance provided by Legacy following the death of his father in the El Alamein campaign during the Second World War that permitted Trevor to study agriculture at Roseworthy Agricultural College during the 1950’s.”

Locky McLaren feels the rural nature of Roseworthy Campus coupled with the peer support and collegiate environment provided by the residential facilities are factors that help to make agriculture attractive as a long term career option for students in this state.

He is particularly pleased that the primary focus of this year’s Dillon Scholarship recipient, Brendan Wallis is to further refine his knowledge and skills within the agricultural sector with the long term desire of making a genuine contribution back to industry in a farm advisory role.”

According to Co-patron Chairman of the Roseworthy Campus and Student Fund, Hon Dr Bruce Eastick AM the Dillon Scholarship has particular significance because it focuses on providing assistance to agricultural students during their crucial initial period of tertiary study at Roseworthy.

“This first year away from home thrust into a different study environment is a make-or-break time that can set the foundations for an entire lifetime career in agriculture.”

“Our aim is to enable a young person to take the first step in the long personal journey to become a professional contributor to the future of our agricultural sector.”

The 2007 “Trevor Dillon Agronomic Roseworthy Study Scholarship” was presented to Brendan Wallis by Locky McLaren and Dr Eastick at a recent luncheon convened by Rural Media South Australia.

MEDIA CONTACT: Dale Manson, Principal Consultant - Strategy, Rural Solutions SA, Telephone 8535 6409 Email manson.dale@saugov.sa.gov.au