It is in times of hardship that communities stick together, providing more than just a nod of understanding but meaningful support and while much of eastern Australia is suffering from the effects of lingering drought, we see examples of our youth standing up and lending a hand.

Dubbo’s Samantha Smart is one such person and she has the runs on the board (and dust on her boots) to prove it.

“We have been feeding 550 head a day due to the drought, had a bull sale onsite and took some cattle to the Coonamble Show for Judging,” Samantha says about her four week placement on an Angus stud at Quambone in Western NSW.

Samantha credits the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW Foundation (RASF) and it’s Rural Scholarships program with allowing her to fund her studies and work placement.

Samantha is calling on regional and rural youth to do what she did and apply for an RAS Foundation Rural Scholarship.

The Rural Scholarships assist rural and regional students achieve their dream careers and give back to rural NSW, whether that be in agriculture, the veterinary sciences, or mental and other health services.

Grants stand at $3000 for part-time and $6000 for full-time scholars studying at University, TAFE or undertaking a VET course within NSW.

Applications close on August 31, 2018. Details can be found at http://www.rasnsw.com.au/foundation/scholarships-and-grants/