Two young women from rural New South Wales will soon take part in a nationally recognised leadership program, thanks to a powerful community effort honouring the life and legacy of Matilda Ferguson, an emerging leader whose life was tragically cut short in a farming accident near Wanaaring in 2024.
In just a few short months, a grassroots fundraising campaign in Matilda’s name has surpassed its original goal of $12,000, raising enough to fund three full scholarships for women aged 21 – 35 living or working in Western and Far West NSW to attend the TRAIL Emerging Leaders Program, delivered by the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation (ARLF).
Individuals, families, businesses and communities across the country contributed to the inaugural campaign, each donation a reflection of Matilda’s impact and the future she hoped to help build.
“Matilda was creating a pathway for people like her to really live and embrace the life she worked so hard to build – living on the land and farming as a woman,” said Gemma Gordon, a friend and former colleague at the ARLF.
“This idea of fundraising in her memory is us showing up for the young women she was paving the way for; keeping her spirit alive by ensuring all her hard work is not for nothing”, said Ms Gordon.
Raised on a remote station, Matilda knew firsthand the challenges of isolation, limited opportunity, and financial limitations that so often form barriers for women in rural and remote Australia. But she also embodied the strength, resourcefulness and community spirit these environments nurture.
“Whether on the station, supporting her partner’s fencing business, running her own property management venture, or working at ARLF, Matilda brought determination and heart to everything she did,” explains her mother, Chris Ferguson
“She believed leadership should be within reach for everyone, regardless of postcode, background or resources,” says Ms Ferguson.
The TRAIL Emerging Leaders Program is a seven-day, immersive leadership experience held on Ngunawal and Ngambri Country in the ACT and NSW. It brings together emerging leaders from across rural, regional and remote Australia to build their confidence, leadership capacity and networks. Participants engage in outdoor experiential learning, leadership workshops, policy exposure, and peer collaboration gaining practical tools while strengthening their leadership styles and self-awareness.
“TRAIL is about helping people lead from wherever they are, not just in formal roles, but in communities, industries and networks,” says ARLF’s Chief Executive and Matilda’s former boss, Matt Linnegar.
“Matilda was deeply committed to helping others grow, and these scholarships honour that legacy. They’re about ensuring that young women from remote areas have a seat at the table and the confidence to use their voice. We know these opportunities are often out of reach for people in remote areas but scholarships like these ensure we don’t leave rural voices behind”, he said.
Applications for two scholarships are open to women aged 21–35 living or working in Western and Far West NSW. A third scholarship will be available for the 2027 program. Applicants are not required to hold formal leadership titles but will need to demonstrate a commitment to making a difference in their community, workplace or industry.
For more information and to apply visit https://programs.rural-leaders.org.au/matilda-scholarship.
