Jane and Miley on her farm “Gena” under the pivot irrigator. Photo: Supplied.
Tocumwal university student Jane Hatty has been named the 2026 recipient of the Jan Cathcart Memorial Scholarship, which recognises her passion for agriculture and rural communities.
Established in honour of the late Jan Cathcart’s four-decade contribution to the Australian rice industry, the scholarship provides up to $30,000 in financial assistance for tertiary education and supports building meaningful careers across the sector.
“Financially, it’s a massive help,” Ms Hatty said.
“I can take up opportunities that arise without having to get another job during my studies. But it’s also an incredible honour, given the astronomical legacy Jan had in the industry.
“The scholarship has been about a lot more than money; I’ve also been able to get so many different perspectives from those at SunRice.”
The 21-year-old is entering her second year of a Bachelor of Agribusiness at the University of New England and will have the opportunity to benefit from direct work experience and gain exposure to potential placement opportunities within the rice industry as part of the scholarship.
“My father is a second-generation rice farmer and I love working in agriculture. I’ve already done stints at a cattle station in South Australia and at a full stud in NSW,” she said.
Speaking at the scholarship presentation dinner held in Sydney on Wednesday 18 February, SunRice Group Chair John Bradford said Jane stood out as a recipient who truly reflected the values and intent of the scholarship.
“Jane impressed the selection panel with her genuine passion for agriculture, her interest in the industry’s future, and her desire to make a meaningful difference for farmers and regional communities. We are incredibly proud to support her journey,” he said.
SunRice Group CEO Paul Serra and chair John Bradford with Jane. Photo: Supplied.
Mr Bradford said the scholarship continued to play an important role in nurturing the next generation of leaders across all parts of the rice value chain.
“Jan was a fierce advocate for opening doors — particularly for women — and creating opportunities where none previously existed. Jane embodies that spirit, and we look forward to seeing the impact she will have as she builds her career.”
In accepting the scholarship, Jane thanked SunRice Group for its confidence in her and acknowledged the importance of the program in expanding access and opportunity for women across the industry.
“I really care about making a difference to farmers and rural communities, and I believe this opportunity will help me clarify where I can have the greatest impact – whether that’s on farm, in research, agronomy, corporate roles or policy.”
Since its inception, SunRice Group has awarded more than $350,000 through the Jan Cathcart Memorial Scholarship, supporting emerging talent and continuing Jan Cathcart’s enduring legacy across the Australian rice industry.
Previous Jan Cathcart Memorial Scholarship recipients are as follows:
2025: Alexandra Hatty, from Tocumwal NSW
2024: Ava Christie, from Albury NSW, and Hope Fitzpatrick, from Moulamein NSW
2023: Lily Delves, from Hanwood NSW, and Tiarna Burke, from Coree NSW
2022: Rebecca Groat, from Myall Park near Griffith
2021: Charlie Reilly, from Leeton
2020: Alexandra Morona, from a rice farm near Deniliquin
2019: Emily Fasham, from a rice farm near Wakool
2018: Annabel Arnold, from a rice farm in Berrigan
2017: Sarah Cudmore, from a mixed farming property at Benerembah
2016: Millie Mertz, from a rice farm in Moulamein, and Elise Wilson, from a rice farm in Coleambally
2015: Samantha Glenn, from a rice farm in Moulamein, and Zoe Reynoldson, from a rice farm in Berrigan.
