A financially assisted scholarship specifically for a Victorian female student commencing their first year at Marcus Oldham College studying one of the academic programs. The successful recipient will have:
- Demonstrated passion in agribusiness and/or agriculture
- Need for financial support
| Closing date | 4 August 2025 (AEST) |
| Interview date | Week beginning 1 September 2025 |
Helen Macpherson Smith was born in Scotland in April 1874 to her Scottish father, Robert Smith, and her Australian mother of Scottish descent, Jane Priscilla Macpherson.
Helen was fortunate in her forebears; on both sides they were hard working and resourceful Scottish immigrants. On the Macpherson side they were good judges of land and excellent farmers, whilst the Smiths became successful timber merchants in colonial times.
Helen attended school in Scotland, Germany and Australia. In 1901 she married William John Schutt, a lawyer, who later became a Justice of the Supreme Court of Victoria.
In December 1923, Helen took a holiday trip to Europe. She never returned to Australia, reputedly because of a fear of seasickness. She resided mainly in the south of France and Switzerland and William visited her frequently.
Helen passed away at the age of 77, leaving a ‘lasting legacy’ of $550,000 to establish a Trust for the benefit of charities in the State of Victoria. The Trust has grown to be worth over $108 million and each year grants between $5 and $7 million in total are given to a wide spectrum of Victorian charities.
Describe two Australian women who inspire you to seek a career in agriculture and or agribusiness.
Identify the impact this financial assistance will have to support your studies.