Te Mania Angus Scholars Dinner
On October 9, Te Mania Angus hosted a Scholars Dinner at Brolga Farm, bringing together recipients of the Marcus Oldham Te Mania Angus Scholarship for an evening of connection and knowledge sharing.
Hosts Sam and Caroline Reid welcomed Keira McDonald – 2024 recipient, and Megan Russell – 2025 recipient, along with Jacob Mundy- Brolga Farm Hand, Edward Gubbins, Hamish and Amanda McFarlane from Te Mania Angus.
Scholarship Spotlight: Keira McDonald
This month, we’re proud to spotlight Keira McDonald, who is carving out an exciting future in agriculture with drive and purpose as she nears the end of her Marcus Oldham studies.
Keira’s 2025 Reflections
This year has been all about momentum for Keira. From discovering a love for business strategy to her invaluable work placements with Coles, Cobram Estate, and Achmea Farm Insurance, Keira has spent this year putting her theory into practice and building real-world confidence.
Keira joined the Marcus Oldham study tour in the USA earlier this year and loved seeing the contrast in systems, cultural differences and general business practices, while adding a global perspective to her fast-growing experience. Despite her busy year professionally, Keira also found the time to run the Great Ocean Road Marathon, which she highlights as her greatest achievement of 2025.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Keira is excited and ready to roll up her sleeves at the Commonwealth Bank as an Agribusiness Analyst and will be relocating to Tasmania in the coming weeks, “I’m excited to get stuck into work, continue to build on my expertise and contribute to the industry and local community with a real sense of purpose.” she said. Her focus will be applying what she’s learned and refining it through experience.
What the 2024 Marcus Oldham Te Mania Angus Scholarship has meant to Keira’s journey
“The Te Mania Angus scholarship gave me confidence from day one, Keira shared. “The faith shown in me to represent Te Mania Angus as their scholar gave me the confidence I really needed. It wasn’t just financial, it was belief. That backing helped me step into the agriculture industry with purpose.” The ongoing networking and robust discussions along the way have also been game-changers.
Advice for 2026 Scholars?
“Embrace it, the Te Mania Angus team are always just a call away. Make the most of the relationship, soak up every moment and find your balance — because two years fly by.”
