Futuris backs regional business scholarship at AGSM

AUTHOR: Editor   DATE: 12.12.06   ISSUE 2, 2006

The annual $50,000 Futuris Scholarship for Rural Business Development allows a student to complete AGSM’s full-time MBA program. The Scholarship is for applicants with a demonstrated interest in, and commitment to, rural and regional Australia.

Futuris Chief Executive Les Wozniczka, an AGSM alumnus who graduated in 1980, said the scholarship recognises the Company’s relationship with regional Australia, and its desire to help nurture future business leaders who will help drive regional and rural economic development.

AGSM’s Director, Professor Eddie Anderson, welcomed the Futuris Scholarship, saying the commitment to regional business development was “appropriate and timely.”

“Regional and rural businesses don’t get as much attention as they should, but they are vital to this country and present excellent opportunities for growth and innovation,” Professor Anderson said.

The commitment to regional business development was “appropriate and timely.”

“We see the scholarship as a way of giving the next generation of regional business leaders access to AGSM’s world class education and networks, and believe it will make a significant contribution to regional development over time.”

Futuris has offered to support the scholarship winner with employment opportunities upon graduation. Applicants will have an outstanding academic record and a minimum of one year ‘s work experience, which can include seasonal and part-time employment.

The successful applicant will be chosen by AGSM’s Scholarships Committee.

Background Information: Futuris Corporation is one of Australia’s leading diversified corporations. The Company is listed on the ASX and generates revenue of $3.3 billion per annum from an asset base which includes some of Australia’s leading agricultural and businesses including Elders, Australian Agricultural Company (Australia’s largest beef producer) and Integrated Tree Cropping (which manages Australia’s largest hardwood plantation estate and Australia’s largest hardwood processor.