Ryley Wickham of Tamworth, Anne Johnston of Moree, Kieran Smith of Inverell, Toby Walker of Bingara and Amy Winrow of Armidale are among the 2017 scholars, and most were able to attend the presentation at Sydney Showground on Wednesday.

Lachlan Barden is a second-time winner, after also being awarded a rural scholarship last year, and Claire Frizell also received the 2016 dairy produce scholarship.

The event followed regional ceremonies in Wagga Wagga and Armidale, at which guests celebrated the achievements of 64 scholars.

RAS Foundation executive officer Kate Ross said this was the biggest group of scholars since the inception of the Rural Scholarship Program.

She said she was “thrilled” the foundation was able to give country students a springboard to achieve their educational goals.

“This year the RAS Foundation will proudly support a diverse group of talented individuals, all with amazing and unique backgrounds, who are passionate about rural and regional NSW,” Ms Ross said.

She said the foundation had awarded more than $1.7 million to 370-plus rural scholarship recipients since 2011.

“Each of the students on our program is passionate about making a difference in their chosen field,” Ms Ross said.

“This variety reflects the diversity of skills that rural and regional communities require to flourish and prosper.”

Lachlan Barden, Narrabri

Lachlan, 20, is in his second year of a four-year double degree in information technology and business at the University of Newcastle. With a strong interest in the computing industry, he looks forward to gaining more skills in this ever-changing area of advancement. Lachlan hopes to one day help fill the void of IT professionals in rural communities and put back the skills he acquires into a community much like the one he has grown up in. Scholarship donated by: Christopher Cuffe Foundation

Nathan Burke, Wee Waa

Nathan, 21, is a third-year bachelor of science student at the University of Newcastle. Nathan is motivated to engage with rural and regional students in an educational role to promote his love of science and engineering as careers of the future. Aware of the need to raise the profile of STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) subjects, Nathan has worked on teaching programs that provide lesson plans and resources for regional teachers and students. Scholarship donated by: G O’Neill

Claire Frizell, Wollomombi

Claire, 24, is in her final year of a veterinary science degree at Charles Sturt University. From a beef and cattle property on the Northern Tablelands, Claire appreciates the vital role veterinarians play in regional Australia. This year Claire will work on placement with a range of vet clinics in regional and remote Australia. She can’t wait to start her career working alongside farmers, breeders and other vets offering important services to rural areas. Scholarship donated by: Regional Australia Bank

Anne Johnston, Moree

Growing up on a mixed-operation family farm in the state’s far north instilled a love of the land in Anne from a young age, and she has always planned to return to regional Australia. Anne is in her third year at the University of New England studying a bachelor of education (K-12) and is following her childhood dream to be a teacher. She aspires to be part of a movement of capable, committed and passionate educators who are eager and willing to teach in rural communities. Scholarship donated by: Agricultural Societies Council of NSW Ltd/UNE Foundation 

Kieran Smith, Inverell

Kieran is in his second-year studying a bachelor of rural science at the University of New England. The 21-year-old has always been passionate about selective breeding and genetics. Kieran is a regular at junior sheep, cattle and wool-judging at shows, and he represented NSW on the shearing and wool-handling teams at the national titles. His goal is to use the knowledge gained from his studies to improve the fertility and productivity of livestock across Australia. Scholarship donated by: Royal Agricultural Society of NSW/UNE Foundation

Toby Walker, Bingara 

Born and raised on the land, Toby, 16, looks forward to a future where he can buy and manage his own farm. Soon to complete an advanced diploma in agriculture with TAFE, New England, Toby will follow this with shearing school and a certificate in wool classing. Toby then plans to travel rural Australia, shearing and wool classing to earn the money to finance his dream. He is eager to learn more about sustainability and biological farming methods, which he intends to incorporate into his farming plan. Scholarship donated by: Christopher Cuffe Foundation

Ryley Wickham, Tamworth

Ryley is a 17-year-old agriculture student in his second year of study at Tocal Agricultural College. His passion for the land began at a young age and Ryley plans to focus his studies on beef cattle and genetics. He also has a heart for people from the land and sees the importance of providing support networks for them through his community involvement. Ryley intends to pursue a career that will innovate the way technology is developed and used in the agricultural industry. Scholarship donated by: Carmel Dyer-Pitroff

Amy Winrow, Armidale

Amy Winrow, a 37-year-old mother of four is completing a graduate diploma of teaching and learning at University of Southern Queensland. Life has been a balancing act for this single mother, and she has gained considerable value from the role that TAFE has provided as a bridge back to study. She sees education as a powerful tool for change and would like to work in secondary teaching. Amy hopes to take on a role of teacher, mentor, role model and supporter to disadvantaged youth in her community. Scholarship donated by: Regional Australia Bank