The memory of Scott Sargood and his impact on the region’s agricultural communities is inspiring future generations of environmental scientists. To continue his legacy, the University of Southern Queensland and Southern Queensland Landscapes came together to create the Scott Sargood Memorial Prize, following his death in a mustering accident near his Charleville property in 2019.
The prize is awarded to the University’s top performing environmental students in honour of the ‘Mulga Man’s’ commitment to Queensland’s mulga lands, and his passion for quality science to support different bioregions across the state. The 2021 award was presented to Bachelor of Science student Genavieve Jurd and Mark Bray, a Bachelor of Education (Secondary) student majoring in Environmental Sciences.
“Changing my enrolment to environment studies was the best decision I’ve ever made,” Ms Jurd said. “I’m interested in becoming an ecologist and my lecturers’ experience in that space is really amazing and inspiring. Sustainability is incredibly important to our agricultural sector and the community as a whole, and more people are needed in this field to take action. I want to learn more and make a positive contribution in some way. I only hope I can make a lasting impact in my lifetime like Scott Sargood,” she said.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Geraldine Mackenzie congratulated Ms Jurd and Mark Bray (who was unable to attend the award presentation) and welcomed representatives from Southern Queensland Landscapes. “It is wonderful to be able to acknowledge this endowed gift in recognition of memory of Scott Sargood and what he meant to so many people,” Professor Mackenzie said.
“The generosity of Southern Queensland Landscapes means a great deal to us in that it provides support for the education journeys of Genavieve, Mark and many other future students. Through their hard work and endeavours, the legacy of Scott Sargood’s dedication to the land, environment and sustainability will continue.”
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