Santa Gertrudis Australia Ambassador
The Santa Gertrudis Breeders’ (Australia) Association is proud to announce the revitalisation of the esteemed RJ Kleberg Scholarship.
Following an in-depth review conducted during the November 2024 Council meeting, the award has been reimagined with a fresh focus, broader opportunities, and a new title for the winner: Santa Gertrudis Australia Ambassador.
This exciting transformation is designed to elevate the scholarship’s prestige, expand access to young leaders within the Santa Gertrudis community, and ensure a transparent and inspiring selection process.
The enhanced program aims to offer unparalleled professional development opportunities for its recipients, providing them with a platform to drive youth engagement and play an active role in shaping the future of the breed.
Key features of the revamped scholarship
The Santa Gertrudis Australia Ambassador will embark on a 12-month leadership journey aligned with the strategic goals of the SGB(A)A.
Key duties for the Ambassador include attending major events such as the Royal Queensland Show, Sydney Royal, and the Young Beef Producers Forum, coordinating youth involvement at activities and fundraisers, and delivering quarterly reports to the Council.
They will also submit updates to the Santa Journal and have the unique opportunity to visit the United States to strengthen international connections.
To ensure the program’s success, the Ambassador will maintain regular communication with the SGB(A)A Council and general manager, who will provide ongoing support and mentorship.
Selection process
The selection criteria have been refined to emphasise transparency and fairness. Applicants, aged 21 to 30, are invited to submit their CV, two professional references, and a 3-5-minute video introduction showcasing their experience and passion for the Santa Gertrudis breed.
Candidates will undergo a rigorous interview process, with a weighted assessment system evaluating breed participation, industry knowledge, and leadership qualities.
Attendance at the National Youth Camp as a group leader is not mandatory but will be viewed favourably, reflecting the high value placed on breed involvement.
Opportunities for growth and recognition
The successful Ambassador will benefit from a suite of resources to support their role, including:
- $5000 toward a US trip, with a schedule coordinated alongside the SGB(A)A and Santa Gertrudis Breeders International (SGBI).
- A tailored jacket, proudly identifying them as the Santa Gertrudis Australia Ambassador.
- Financial support to attend key events and toward other professional development activity aligned with the SGB(A)A’s objectives.
- Access to mentorship and media training to enhance their profile and engagement efforts.
A vision for the future
Applications for the Santa Gertrudis Australia Ambassador will open at the 2026 Royal Sydney Show, with the winner to be announced at the Royal Queensland Show in Brisbane, August 7, 2026.
"This scholarship is not just an investment in my development — it's an opportunity for me to represent and give back to a breed and community that has shaped who I am."
Eleni Fogden
Loxton, South Australia, 2025 RJ Kleberg recipient
"I am forever grateful to the Santa Gertrudis Breeders' (Australia) Association for this opportunity. It has already begun to influence my approach to breeding, management, and advocacy for the beef industry. I am excited for what the future holds and look forward to applying the learnings to contribute to the success of Santa Gertrudis cattle in Australia."
Mia Doering
Tansey, Qld, 2024 RJ Kleberg recipient
Recipients of the RJ Kleberg Scholarship Award
| 1991 | Neil Watson |
| 1993 | Andrew Doering |
| 1996 | Lisa Tauener |
| 1997 | Kylie Bailey |
| 1998 | Kim Richards |
| 1999 | Stephanie Sinclair |
| 2000 | Ben Evans |
| 2001 | Alison Mastello |
| 2002 | Michael MacCue |
| 2004 | Maree Fields |
| 2005 | Luke Comisky |
| 2006 | Chris Muller |
| 2007 | Hayden Todd |
| 2008 | Ross Leggett |
| 2009 | Richard Murphy |
| 2010 | Michaela Russell |
| 2011 | Cancelled - Flood |
| 2012 | Alexis Hindmarsh |
| 2014 | Prue Jensen |
| 2015 | Steven Maher |
| 2016 | Maddy Page |
| 2017 | Katrina Doak |
| 2018 | Georgia McMaster |
| 2019 | Robert Murphy |
| 2020 | Cancelled - Drought/Ticks |
| 2021 | John Delaforce |
| 2022 | Cancelled - Covid-19 |
| 2023 | Lachlan Martin |
| 2024 | Mia Doering |
| 2025 | Eleni Fogden |