2026 | Horticulture
“I want to bring knowledge back to Australia. I want to use what I learn to improve my own work, inspire other young people to consider horticulture, and contribute to greener, more sustainable communities.”
Horticulture is the industry where I feel most connected, useful and excited about the future. My Certificate III gave me practical skills, confidence and a clearer understanding of how plants, people and places are connected.
Volunteering with Katanning Landcare showed me that sustainability happens through practical local action, such as improving soil, reducing erosion, supporting wildlife and bringing native plants back into the landscape.
Through this scholarship I hope to learn how other countries design, grow and maintain sustainable green spaces. I am especially interested in amenity horticulture, irrigation, plant selection, biodiversity and integrating plants into built environments. I also want to grow as a young industry leader, build a professional network and bring knowledge back to Australia.
I would like to travel to Singapore and the Netherlands. Singapore would show me how plants are integrated into a dense urban environment. In the Netherlands, I would like to learn about nursery production, glasshouse technology, water management and landscape design, then share those ideas with young people, training networks and future workplaces.
“Zakariya shows that they are forward thinking, not just now but in the future. They are passionate and I can see their purpose and strong leadership.”
- Assessor Panel