Costa scholarship makes a difference

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For rural science student Emily Dryden, receiving a scholarship from Costa Berries has made all the difference in her studies at the University of New England.

Emily, from the Central Coast of New South Wales, is in the second year of a Bachelor of Rural Science and is the inaugural recipient of the Costa (Berry Category) Scholarship in Horticulture, worth $5000 a year.

Costa Berries supports scholarships at the University of New England, University of Queensland and the University of Tasmania to support students who are pursuing a career in agriculture or horticulture.

Emily, who comes from a single parent family, said the Scholarship had ensured she could focus on her studies.

“The scholarship has been a great help to me, providing financial assistance to buy text books and other equipment. It means I don’t have to try and fit in part-time work and am able to concentrate on my degree,” she said.

“I am passionate about the agricultural and horticultural industry and the sustainability of both the environment and our future resources.  I am keen to use science and research as a gateway to improving and sustaining Australia’s agricultural production and ensuring that every person has access to fresh food and safe water for generations to come.”

Costa team supports Joey’s recovery

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The Costa team in Far North Queensland raised a total of $8320 through the Great Wheelbarrow Race.

The money is being used to help the recovery Joey Donald, an eight-year old Yungaburra boy who is battling severe injuries after a horse-riding accident in late 2018. Joey’s mum, Sarah-Jane Mohammed, said Joey had just returned home after seven months in hospital.

“He has progressed well physically walking inside the house unaided and outside the house with the assistance of a walker/wheelchair. Cognitively, socially and emotionally he still has a fair way to go. He was diagnosed mid November 2018 with Severe Diffuse Axonal Injury and doctors explained it takes two years for the brain to heal, so we have hope that he will continue to progress,” Sarah-Jane said.

“A massive thanks to Carolyn Tomerini  and Ben Turner for organising the fundraising side of things and then of course the runners. We are so grateful for the support we have received from this amazing community.”