Country Education Foundation looks forward to year of supporting students’ aspirations

The Country Education Foundation of the Namoi is looking forward to a year of supporting students’ higher education aspirations.

The local organisation recently welcomed new faces at its annual general meeting. Cara Stoltenberg was again returned as chair with Anna Dugdale appointed as vice chair.

Chris Rex will serve as treasurer and Ange Young as secretary.

Committee members include Nat Coffey, Wayne Madden, Alicia Pratt, Donna McKinstry, Bec Thistlethwaite and Liz McFarland.

At the start of the year, the CEFN awarded 15 education grant recipients. Through co-funding arrangements with CEF Australia, $90,000 was awarded to students.

The latest batch of applications were tabled at the most recent committee meeting.

The CEFN has received 22 application and will begin the short-listing process for interviews.

“We like to give out $30,000 a year to the recipients,” Ms Stoltenberg said.

A matched donation scheme has also been underway, with support from industry and organisations bolstering the amount of assistance the organisation can provide for students seeking higher education opportunities.

Reflecting on the past year, Ms Stoltenberg said the 20th anniversary of the CEFN stood out as a highlight.

“Our celebration was very well attended,” she said.

“It was great to welcome back some of our past students and sponsors.”

The committee also had representatives attend the national Country Education Foundation conference which provided inspiration to local foundations and reinforced the great work of the organisation at a local and national level.

The CEFN’s attention now turns to the presentation of its next round of scholarships, which will be announced in January.

The local foundation is also staging a night with Olympians Shannan Davey and Laura Gourley to raise funds and awareness about the role of CEFN in the community.