Deniliquin Business Chamber and the Riggall family are jointly funding the $2000 Chamber Riggall Fellowship, named in honour of Gaye Riggall.
Mrs Riggall, who passed away in 2013, was the first ever female councillor on the former Conargo Shire Council, and eventually became its first mayor.
She was also editor of the Pastoral Times before founding the Deniliquin Independent, and was the inaugural director of the Peppin Heritage Centre between 1989 and 1994.
‘‘Gaye loved Deniliquin and had a strong belief in giving back to the community,’’ chamber executive officer Janet Renehan said.
‘‘She had high standards and integrity and a great regard for those who strive for excellence.
‘‘Her family feel that these attributes will be captured in this scholarship, and look forward to awarding the inaugural winner in 2019.’’
Mrs Riggall came to Deniliquin in the late 1960s with her husband Richard, and settled on a farm at Blighty.
She and Richard raised three children Justine (now Keech), Sophie (now Bennett) and Edward, and became valued members of the Blighty community.
Mrs Keech said the family had been looking to ‘‘do something in mum’s name’’ for many years.
‘‘Mum was an innovative person and she was a great advocate and supporter of young people in her community when she was on Conargo Shire,’’ Mrs Keech said.
‘‘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, and adding to the skill set of our community. We thought it was a perfect fit.’’
The fellowship is aimed at employees of Deniliquin Business Chamber member businesses who are aged 35 or under to undertake training, study or professional development to put new skills into practice.
‘‘It provides young people working in Deniliquin with an opportunity to invest in themselves and their career,’’ Mrs Renehan said.
‘‘Given that, the skills and learning should be seen to directly benefit their employer’s business and the local Deniliquin community.’’
More details on how to apply for the scholarship will be released by the Deniliquin Business Chamber on Monday.