Wallendbeen’s Abigail Tozer was announced as one of five NSW scholarship winners at the 2025 NSW Farmers Conference in Sydney. Photo: NSW Farmers Facebook.
With a vision to bridge the gap between city and country healthcare, Wallendbeen’s Abigail Tozer has been named one of five standout recipients of the 2025 NSW Farmers Tertiary Scholarships, announced this week at the organisation’s annual conference.
Abigail, who on Tuesday was announced the recipient of the Paul Lockyer Memorial Scholarship, was raised on her family’s farm near Cootamundra and has long understood the challenges and resilience that define life on the land.
Not only has she notched up some years working on the farm, there have been the long summery stints with GrainCorp and she has also volunteered with a number of local organisations and businesses. Now she’s looking to use her university education to bring better health outcomes to rural and regional communities.
Currently in her third year of a Bachelor of Medical Science, majoring in neuroscience, Abigail’s goal is to return to a regional area following graduation and contribute to healthcare in rural communities – particularly in the fields of neurorehabilitation and mental health.
“This support from NSW Farmers is incredibly meaningful,” Abigail said. “It not only helps me pursue my studies, but also brings me a step closer to bridging the gap between city and country healthcare.”
The Paul Lockyer Memorial Scholarship was introduced in 2012 in memory of respected rural journalist Paul Lockyer, who worked for the ABC and Nine Network.
Paul was widely known for his powerful reporting on rural and regional Australia and was twice awarded the NSW Farmers Mackellar Media Prize for excellence in rural journalism.
In 2003 he received the Centenary Medal for his drought coverage and contribution to national awareness of rural issues.
Lockyer and two colleagues died in a helicopter accident in 2011 while on assignment filming a story about Lake Eyre, South Australia.
Each year, NSW Farmers awards five scholarships to students pursuing university or vocational qualifications relevant to agriculture or regional life.
Open to members and their children, the program is designed to support the next generation of regional professionals – whether in the paddock, clinic or policy spheres.
This year’s recipients hail from the North Coast, North West, Central West and South West Slopes, and were selected for their academic drive, leadership, and dedication to building a better future for rural Australia.
NSW Young Farmers Chair Martin Murray said the program reflected a broader commitment to nurturing future rural leaders.
“As an industry body, we have a responsibility to give the talented next generation the very best possible chance to succeed and secure a brighter farming future,” he said.
The 2025 recipients were:
- Reuben Huf, Sleepy Hollow – EL O’Brien Scholarship
- Kari Donaldson, Willala – John White Memorial Scholarship
- Charlotte Leys, Goolhi – Alan Chapman Memorial Scholarship
- Grace Wilkes-Bowes, Naradhan – Graham Blatch Memorial Goobang Scholarship
- Abigail Tozer, Wallendbeen – Paul Lockyer Memorial Scholarship.
This determination from all five recipients to give back to their communities and help shape a stronger future for regional Australia was warmly applauded at the conference.
