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Our scholarship program sees five new fitness enthusiasts join Active Farmers in their mission to improve rural community health.
Our EMPOWERED Scholarship program, offered through Active Farmers, is going strong as another group of motivated individuals began the program in February. Established in 2021, Hutcheon and Pearce developed this scholarship to provide passionate health and fitness enthusiasts with the opportunity to become inspiring personal trainers within the Active Farmers network.
Active Farmers is a charity organisation that was established to address the alarming mental health statistics among Aussie farmers by offering regular fitness classes which improve physical health and provide a sense of belonging for community members in rural and regional areas through the ‘team sport effect’.
Active Farmers face the challenge of finding dedicated trainers given they are spread across many isolated communities. Recognising our strong alignment with the values of Active Farmers, we deemed it necessary to assist with this challenge by establishing a scholarship program which ensures that rural communities can continue to be connected to passionate trainers by supporting their journey to become qualified.
Empowered Scholarship
The EMPOWERED Scholarship covers full tuition fees for a Certificate III and IV in Personal Training through FIT College. Upon completion, newly qualified trainers will teach for two years in their community through Active Farmers. The EMPOWERED Program is our way of contributing to an organisation we so closely align with. Arron Hutcheon emphasised that Hutcheon and Pearce feel the same responsibility to take care of our farming communities, adding “if it can help just one person with their mental health and wellbeing, then it is a win”.
This year, we had many passionate individuals apply for the program and were overwhelmed with the talent that came through. After being put to the panel to decide, we are thrilled to be supporting five new enthusiastic trainers as they embark on their journey with Active Farmers.
Meet the new Empowered participants:
Joceline Dudgeon:
Where are you from?
I’m from Pingrup, WA. I moved from Perth 2.5 years ago for a tree change.
Why did you apply for the scholarship?
I applied for the scholarship to bring a healthy lifestyle to my community and to help with mental health in isolated towns.
What excites you most about participating in this program?
I’m very excited to join active farmers network and share ideas to inspire my small town
Penny King:
Where are you from?
I grew up in Goulburn, but about three years ago, I moved to Jugiong, NSW, to live with my fiancé on his property.
Why did you apply for the scholarship?
Two main reasons: I’m passionate about bringing fitness opportunities to our small town, as we don’t have a gym or group exercise classes nearby. Also, I’ve always had a strong passion for health and fitness and have wanted to complete my PT certification.
What excites you most about participating in this program?
I am really excited to meet like-minded people and be a part of a wider community that shares the same goals.
Koby McIntyre:
Where are you from?
I’m from Kalbarri, WA and I have a family background in the NRL
Why did you apply for the scholarship?
I applied for the scholarship because I have dreams of creating a career from health and fitness, and helping the local community
What excites you most about participating in this program?
I am most excited about learning more in the field of fitness and meeting new like-minded people that I can relate with
Emilie Menz:
Where are you from?
I’m Emilie from Westonia in eastern wheatbelt of WA
Why did you apply for the scholarship?
I applied for the scholarship to contribute and hold space around fitness, health and wellness for our community to connect. Someone to run fun group programs is missing in our town and I’m super excited to have the opportunity to do so.
What excites you most about participating in this program?
I’m most excited for the new chapter new connections, and building a healthy and happy community with the active farmers foundation
I am really excited to meet like-minded people and be a part of a wider community that shares the same goals.
Anna Gellert:
Where are you from?
I grew up on a farm in Southeast South Australia, so I am a country girl at heart. I now live on a farm at Willaura, Southwest Victoria with my husband Adam, and 11-month-old Sydney.
Why did you apply for the scholarship?
I applied for the H&P Scholarship because I am passionate about promoting health and well-being within my community. I believe that everyone deserves access to fitness opportunities that are inclusive, motivating, and fun. The Active Farmers network aligns with my values, and I’m excited to be a part of an organisation that empowers people through physical activity and a sense of community.
What excites you most about participating in this program?
I’m especially thrilled to bring the Active Farmers to Willaura, where I see a real opportunity to create a supportive and encouraging environment for people of all ages to engage in fitness. I can’t wait to contribute to improving the health and well-being of our local community, helping others discover the benefits of staying active. Being a part of this network will be an inspiring experience, and I’m eager to get started!
I am most excited about learning more in the field of fitness and meeting new like-minded people that I can relate with
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