The program is a collaboration between the Deniliquin Business Chamber and the Riggall family, in memory of their matriarch and community champion, Gaye Riggall.
Designed to be flexible and available to employees within any industry, the winner will receive financial support towards training, study or professional development.
Chamber president Paula Rutter said the fellowship aims to foster personal and professional development to encourage local talent to pursue their career goals in the Deniliquin community.
“It’s important to the future health and sustainability of our community that we have skilled and motivated young people in our workforce,” Mrs Rutter said.
“The Chamber Riggall Fellowship provides a pathway to developing and retaining this talent.”
Mrs Riggall’s daughter, Justine Keech, hopes that the scholarship will inspire a young person in Deniliquin to strive for excellence, an attribute that Mrs Riggall held in high regard.
“Mum was an innovative person, who was a great advocate and supporter of young people in her community,” she siad.
“Mum was also a great proponent of business and ran her own business for many years.
“Chamber was keen to do something to promote youth education and learning in the business community, while adding to the skill set of our community. We thought it was the perfect fit.”
Mrs Riggall was a passionate advocate for giving back to the community.
The first ever female councillor on the former Conargo Shire Council, she would eventually become the first female mayor of the former shire.
During this time, Mrs Riggall’s background in journalism saw her join the Pastoral Times before starting the Deniliquin Independent as editor over many years.
The sale of The Independent saw her involvement grow with the Peppin Heritage Centre where she became manager for several years before retirement.
Applications close Tuesday, July 26.
Application information is available on the Chamber website - www.deniliquinchamber.com.au - or by contacting the Chamber at admin@deniliquinchamber.com.au.
The fellowship winner will be announced at the Deniliquin Business Excellence Awards in August.
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