A chance to do both as a long-standing career has been offered to him through the Country Education Fund of Australia.
Matthew was last week awarded the MH Premium Farms scholarship.
Matthew is the third ever recipient of the scholarship, which will assist him as he continues on with his first year of a Bachelor of Agriculture degree at Charles Sturt University in Wagga this year.
Each recipient receives up to $17,000 across a maximum of four years, which they can put towards costs associated with tertiary or vocational studies in agriculture.
It is on top of $500 in assistance from CEF Edward River.
Matthew began his studies after taking a gap year in 2022 which saw him work as a landscaper in Echuca, then relocate to Broome to work in his uncle’s air conditioning business.
He came back to Deniliquin to work on a cattle farm before heading off for uni.
“This support will help me through my ag degree and set me up for success,” Matthew said.
“I’d like to thank both organisations for the support they are willing to give me through the MH Premium Farms-CEF Scholarship.”
The funding has primarily helped Matthew cover his on-campus accommodation costs, which is approximately $8000 per year.
“It helps me pay for my accommodation as it is my largest expense,” he said.
“In doing so it has taken the pressure off trying to find a job right away, and allows me to continue using the money I earned during my gap year.”
Matthew said CEF Edward River had been a great support for him so far, and Foundation Chair Mardi Chartres said the committee wished Matthew the best in his studies.
“Although Matthew did not grow up on the land, he has chosen a pathway that works to his strengths and passion,” Mrs Chartres said.
“Matthew demonstrates a true commitment to working within the rural industry and we wish him every success with his endeavours.”
MH Premium Farms CEO Ed Dunn, said the company partnered with CEF to give a chance to students who were unable to afford to study agriculture.
“We want to help young people that don’t have the capacity to study agriculture, give good young students a go, and allow them to contribute to the industry,” he said.
The MH Premium Farms Scholarship is part of the CEF Extra program, which provides additional support to eligible students who have already been awarded grant funding by their local CEF foundation.
Matthew may also be given a chance to complete work experience with MH Premium Farms as part of the program.