Bruce was well known in the region as a community champion on a number of topics, agriculture and education chief among them.
He died unexpectedly earlier this year.
In paying tribute to his legacy, the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation launched the Bruce Simpson Rural Scholarship Fund.
It is now asking community members to donate to the fund to “invest in a legacy and empower rural leaders - forever”.
The aim is to raise $2 million.
The scholarship was developed after ARLF was approached by Bruce’s twin brother and fellow education champion John Simpson.
John said he and Bruce’s children Charlie and Lucy would be included in the scholarship selection committee going forward.
“It is really important they are involved in the whole process,’ John said.
“As twins Bruce and I led practically the same life until 18, when he got in to farming and I got into journalism, initially. I am now in the private sector and I am deputy chancellor of Monash University.
“For all our different interests though we still had a lot in common and spoke every week.
“I was always interested in what Bruce was doing, and what has always struck me about Bruce was his determination to make a difference. And he wanted to bring people along with him in that pursuit.
“He also took great interest in building that bridge between metopolitan and rural Australia, and give the city a greater understanding of rural Australia.
“It is really meaningful to think a rural scholarship of this kind has been established, so closely aligned with Bruce’s desires.”
The ARLF said the scholarship would be an extension of Bruce’s dedication to lifelong learning, which inspired younger generations.
“Bruce dedicated his life to empowering his community and the agricultural sector,” the ARLF said.
“With his sudden passing following an anaphylactic reaction in early 2024, his family partnered with the ARLF to create a $2 million perpetual fund to ensure that Bruce’s commitment lives on by providing an annual scholarship to a promising individual from the rural sector to undertake the ARLP and develop critical leadership skills.
“Through the Bruce Simpson Rural Scholarship Fund, we aim to provide future leaders the same transformative learning opportunities Bruce valued so deeply.
“Help us ensure Bruce’s legacy of leadership lives on by supporting the Bruce Simpson Rural Scholarship Fund.
“Your generosity fuels the next generation of leaders committed to making a difference in rural Australia.”
Mr Simpson's journey began far from the expansive paddocks of the Riverina, but he quickly found his way to the land, following his deep-seated passion for farming and rural life.
“Bruce was known for his quiet strength and fair-mindedness, whether as chair of Murray Irrigation Ltd or as an agribusiness consultant and mentor,” ARLF said.
“His thoughtful approach made him a trusted voice on complex issues, from water management to community advocacy.
“At every step, he championed fairness, always willing to listen, support, and help others find their way forward.
“Bruce’s legacy will live on in each scholarship recipient who steps forward to carry on his vision—a vision for a resilient, thriving rural Australia where leadership is cultivated and shared for generations to come.”
For more information about the scholarship, or to contribute to the scholarship fund, go to https://donate.rural-leaders.org.au/appeals/bruce-simpson-rural-scholarship-fund.
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