Narrabri Shire students have received a valuable kickstart to their education pursuits, thanks to support from the Country Education Foundation of the Namoi.
Fifteen new education grant recipients were announced at the CEFN’s annual celebration evening held at The Crossing Theatre on Monday.
This year’s education grant recipients are Eliza Dampney (Bachelor of Data Science and Decisions, University of NSW), Mackenzie Jones (Cert III in Wildlife and
Exhibited Animal Care, Taronga Zoo), Caitlyn Coutts-Smith (Bachelor of Agricultural Business Management, Charles Sturt University), Emma Holmes (Bachelor of Agriculture, UNE, second year), Sarah Stiller (Bachelor of Veterinary Technology, Charles Sturt University, second year), Haylie Reynolds (Traineeship in Tourism, Travel and Events, Tamworth TAFE), Matthew Evans (Bachelor of Agricultural Engineering, University of Southern Queensland), Martha Harvey (Bachelor of Forensic Science, UTS), Alex Mison (Bachelor of Pharmacy, University of Sydney), May Krishna (Bachelor of Media and Communications, Bachelor of International Relations, UTS, second year), Millie Taylor (Bachelor of Exercise Physiotherapy, Exercise Physiology and Exercise Science, University of NSW), Imogen Taylor (Bachelor of Secondary Teaching, Notre Dame, second year), Lily Kelly (Bachelor of Music, SAE Creative Arts Institute), Charlotte Penberthy (Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science, Southern Cross University), Rachel Charles (Bachelor of Veterinary Technology, Southern Cross University), Elsie Ford (Bachelor of Physiotherapy, University of Canberra, third year – William McIlrath recipient of 2022), Bryony Allen (Bachelor of Animal Science, Charles Sturt University, second year – William McIlrath recipient of 2023).
At the start of Monday night’s proceedings, Country Education Foundation of the Namoi chair Cara Stoltenberg thanked the committee for their dedication.
Mrs Stoltenberg also praised the many sponsors – businesses, individuals and community groups and organisations – which ensure the foundation can continue to distribute much-needed funds to help students achieve their goals of further education and training.
“We couldn’t do what we do with your continued support,” she said.
The CEFN is a not-for-profit organisation which works to ensure as many young people as possible have the opportunity to training and further education.
In additional to financial support, the CEFN plays an important role in offering encouragement to students.
Prior to the presentation of awards, Helen Dugdale, of Australian Brain Coaching, offered some words of support to students as the evening’s guest speaker.
Mrs Dugdale, of Narrabri, is also a founding member of the local foundation.
“You young people have got the world at your feet and you can make a difference,” she told the gathering.
Mrs Dugdale spoke of the early days of establishing what was then known as the Narrabri Education Foundation. She said she had been invited to assist in forming the foundation by Prim Winston-Smith.
Mrs Dugdale went on to discuss her career leading up to completing a Graduate Diploma of Psychology and her services in brain coaching.
She has also recently released a book, Put Insomnia to Sleep, gathering information from research, case studies and her own experience to assist people in improving their sleep.
Following the presentation, mayor Darrell Tiemens presented certificates to grant recipients.
Recipients of the McIlrath scholarships were congratulated by Michael and Prim Winston-Smith.
