Hope for the Future

Stand Tall is the largest youth event of its kind in Australia in which student cohorts from a range of schools (generally years 8 to 11), gather at the ICC Sydney Theatre to hear messages of hope from speakers who have either faced major adversities, or who set themselves incredible goals and have gone on to great accomplishments. 

In June 2023, the RAS Foundation supported 44 students from Mount Austin High School, Wagga Wagga, to attend the Stand Tall Australia event. 

One student commented that the event “was life-changing” and “gave him hope for the future”. Another said that the Stand Tall speaker Michael Crossland significantly impacted her life, reminding her that she is capable and worthy even with her mental health battles.

Thanks to the RAS Foundation’s support, some of the students were making their first trip to Sydney, and all were given the opportunity to visit the Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and even enjoy Vivid.

They were also taken on a tour around Sydney Showground and attended a RAS Education workshop that provided information about all the RAS Foundation’s scholarships available for rural and regional students, how to pursue career pathways into agriculture, and the various opportunities agriculture brings young people.

All attendees were told about the employment opportunities at the Sydney Royal Easter Show and encouraged to apply.