Ramornie’s Tullara Connors has been awarded a $10,000 NSW Government scholarship to further her music career. Ms Connors and her sister, Shalane, have been constantly performing in their duo, Siskin River, to much acclaim since forming in 2011 and are regulars on Australia’s festival circuit. In August last year the duo released its debut album, The Hours They Keep. Parliamentary Secretary for the North Coast and Member for Clarence Chris Gulaptis said: “Ms Connors is a talented young musician/singer/songwriter who plans to use the scholarship to work with and be mentored by some of Ireland’s best tenor banjo players. “I am very proud our local talent has been recognised in the first round of the NSW Government’s new initiative to help foster the next generation of regional artists. “The NSW Young Regional Scholarship Program is a key part of the Government’s new policy framework to guide investment and partnerships to grow a thriving, globally connected arts and cultural sector. “The program will provide 25 scholarships each year and I encourage our eligible artists to apply for the second round to be announced later in the year.” Ms Connors was unavailable for comment as she is overseas. Mr Gulaptis said Nathan Wood of Byron Bay, whose “passion is cinematography and film/video production” has also been awarded a scholarship. Deputy Premier and Minister for the Arts Troy Grant said the first round of applications under the program attracted a competitive field covering dance, music, visual arts, theatre, literature and screen production. “Sixteen young artists from across the state have been awarded $10,000 under the government’s major new scheme to develop talent and I look forward to seeing their talent shine through this support,” Mr Grant said.