She has been announced as the recipient of the 2026 Jan Catchcart Memorial Scholarship, which was established in honour of Jan Cathcart’s extraordinary four-decade contribution to the Australian rice industry.
The scholarship provides up to $30,000 in financial assistance for tertiary education and supports building meaningful careers across the sector.
Jane is currently entering her second year of a Bachelor of Agribusiness at the University of New England and will have the opportunity to benefit from direct work experience and gain exposure to potential placement opportunities within the rice industry as part of the scholarship.
Speaking at the scholarship presentation dinner held in Sydney last week, SunRice group chair John Bradford said Jane stood out as a recipient who truly reflects the values and intent of the scholarship.
“The Jan Cathcart Memorial Scholarship is about more than financial support – it’s about backing people who share Jan’s commitment to community, leadership and the long-term strength of our industry,” Mr Bradford said.
“Jane impressed the selection panel with her genuine passion for agriculture, her interest in the industry’s future, and her desire to make a meaningful difference for farmers and regional communities. We are incredibly proud to support her journey.”
Mr Bradford said the scholarship continues to play an important role in nurturing the next generation of leaders across all parts of the rice value chain.
In accepting the scholarship, Jane thanked SunRice Group for its confidence in her and acknowledged the importance of the program in expanding access and opportunity for women across the industry.
“Being awarded the Jan Cathcart Memorial Scholarship is an absolute honour, and I’m incredibly grateful to SunRice for placing their faith in me,” Ms Hatty said.
“I really care about making a difference to farmers and rural communities, and I believe this opportunity will help me clarify where I can have the greatest impact – whether that’s on farm, in research, agronomy, corporate roles or policy.
“I see this scholarship as recognising people who are determined to give back to the industry in their own way. Each recipient brings a different perspective, and I’m excited to harness Jan’s legacy to help contribute to a strong and sustainable future for the rice industry.”
Since its inception, more than $350,000 has been awarded through the Jan Cathcart Memorial Scholarship, supporting emerging talent and continuing Jan Cathcart’s enduring legacy across the Australian rice industry.
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