Cecil Brown Scholarship
Applications are now open
The Cecil Brown Scholarship honours Cecil Brown, a highly respected sheep man who spent his working life at Hazeldean, Cooma. Cecil balanced natural stockmanship with a willingness to embrace innovation and generously shared his knowledge—qualities that continue to drive the sheep and wool industry forward today.
The Scholarship recognises and supports young people aged 18–30 from the Monaro region who are actively involved in the sheep and wool industry. It offers the opportunity to broaden skills, networks, and knowledge through travel, further education, and hands-on learning experiences.
What the Scholarship Offers
The Cecil Brown Scholarship provides a three-week travelling program for a young person interested in the sheep and wool industry to visit progressive and innovative producers, processors, and marketers in New Zealand and elsewhere.
The recipient will also receive support for an educational activity of their choice — such as a short course, workshop, or on-farm learning experience — approved by the Scholarship Committee. Together, these opportunities aim to strengthen the recipient’s professional development and connection to the wider sheep and wool industry.
The scholarship is particularly suited to applicants with enthusiasm and potential, but who may not otherwise have the opportunity or financial means to gain experience beyond the region.
Who Should Apply
The scholarship is open to people who are:
- Aged between 18 and 30 years
- Residing in or from the Monaro region
- Actively involved in the sheep and wool industry, either through study, work, or family enterprise
- Demonstrates enthusiasm, potential, and a willingness to learn
Key Dates
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications open | 17 October 2025 |
| Applications close | 31 October 2025, 11:59pm |
| Interviews | November 2025 |
| Recipient announced | 3 December 2025 – MFS Summer Field Day |
Please submit early to allow time for referees and follow-up queries.
How to Apply
- Review the Terms & Conditions and Expectations of Successful Applicant documents before applying.
- Prepare your responses
- Submit your application online:
👉 Apply Now
For any questions, contact Monaro Farming Systems
📧 [email protected] | 📞 0407 089 677
Selection Process
Applications are reviewed by the Cecil Brown Scholarship Committee.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview, where they’ll discuss their interests and goals.
If no suitable applicant is identified, the committee reserves the right to withhold the scholarship for that year.
Expectations of the Successful Applicant
The recipient will be expected to:
- Participate fully in the scholarship program, including the New Zealand study tour and an approved educational activity such as a course, workshop, or on-farm experience.
- Report back within 12 months with a short written summary and presentation at an MFS field day or other agreed event.
- Support promotion by sharing photos, updates, or short articles for MFS newsletters, social media, and local media.
- Represent the scholarship professionally, acknowledging the Cecil Brown Scholarship and its sponsors in all related activities.
- Meet administrative requirements, including pre-approval for expenses, timely submission of receipts and reports, and completion of activities within 12 months.
About Cecil Brown
The Cecil Brown Scholarship is named in honour of Cecil Brown, a well-respected sheep man who spent his working life on Hazeldean, Cooma, as stud sheep overseer. Cecil was an excellent stockman with a natural talent for sheep breeding. He embraced the use of measurement in selecting superior sheep and was widely admired for his generosity in sharing knowledge with younger breeders. He balanced natural stockmanship with innovation, embodying the adaptability that continues to drive the sheep and wool industry forward today.
