Marcus Oldham Rural Leadership Program Scholarship

Do you fancy having a crack at one of Australia’s most respected rural leadership programs?

Santa Gertrudis Australia is pleased to offer one scholarship position for a
member, or someone working closely with the Santa Gertrudis breed, to attend the 2026 Marcus Oldham Rural Leadership Program, valued at $4,160 including GST, plus $440 travel support.

The Marcus Oldham Rural Leadership Program, supported by NAB Agribusiness, is an intensive five-day workshop conducted on the College campus in Geelong. Since commencing in 1992, it has become one of Australia’s longest-running and most highly regarded rural leadership programs, attracting participants from a wide range of agricultural and regional backgrounds.

About the Program

Across five days, the program aims to develop the skills and confidence of emerging leaders in the agricultural sector. Participants will learn to:

Undertake leadership roles within their industry or community
Competently represent their industry in decision-making forums
Understand and address issues facing rural industries and regional
communities

More information about the Marcus Oldham Rural Leadership Program can be found here: Leadership – Marcus Oldham College.

2026 Program Dates

Sunday 17 May – Friday 22 May 2026

Scholarship Criteria

Applicants must:

Be a member of SGB(A)A or work with the Santa Gertrudis breed (e.g.
current/past Youth Camp Leader)
Ideally be aged 25–35 (noting older or younger applicants may still be considered)
Be available to attend the full Marcus Oldham program and have employer approval prior to applying
Provide a written report for publication in the SGB(A)A Magazine following attendance
Present their learnings to the SGB(A)A Council, either in person or online

What SGB(A)A Provides

One fully funded scholarship valued at $4,160 (incl. GST)
Travel support of $440 (incl. GST)

Applications

Applications open: Monday 1 December 2025
Applications close: Friday 20 February 2026

Selection Process

One candidate will be selected for the 2026 program
Selection is based on written criteria
The successful applicant will be announced by mid-March 2026
Selection Committee:
- Liz Allen – SGB(A)A President and Marcus Oldham graduate
- Russell Gray – SGB(A)A Councillor
- Maggie Welsh – SGB(A)A Councillor