Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
EVE EXELBY Accepting Bursary from Geoff Low, Member of Herbert River Farmers League. Photo supplied
On Saturday 4th July, the Herbert River Farmers' League hosted its Annual Bursary Presentation Evening at the Herbert River RSL. This year's bursary recipients were Gemma Di Bella and Eve Exelby.
Gemma is now enrolled in the Faculty of Agricultural Science at the University of Queensland's Gatton campus, while Eve is studying Paramedicine at Central Queensland University in Rockhampton.
Both students were accompanied by their parents, Mr and Mrs L. Di Bella and Mr and Mrs B. Exelby. A special moment in the evening came when it was revealed that Mr B. Exelby was himself a recipient of a Herbert River Farmers' League bursary in 1982, when he studied at Burdekin Agricultural College.
This year marks the presentation of the 120th and 121st bursaries since the Herbert River Farmers' League shifted its focus from representing farmers' interests to supporting educational pursuits. The origin, growth and development of the Herbert River Farmers' League is both fascinating and historically significant.
The Farmers' League was formed in 1897, comprising delegates from various Planters' Clubs, beginning with the Halifax Planters' Club, which was associated with the sugar cane industry. The Farmers' League became a company in 1923, enabling it to purchase farmers' equipment at more affordable prices than those offered by commercial suppliers at the time.
In 1977, the League began its educational support program, agreeing to assist students from the district who wished to attend the Queensland Agricultural College in the Burdekin. With the closure of the Halifax Planters' Club in 2008, the Herbert River Farmers' League Incorporated became the last surviving link with the early cane planters of the Herbert River district.
From a small beginning in 1977, the League has invested more than $400,000 in bursaries to support the education of local students. The League congratulates this year's bursary recipients on their outstanding academic achievements and trusts this financial assistance will contribute to successful and rewarding careers.
(Contributed with thanks by Maurice Filei, with assistance by Victoria Velton)
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