Positively impacted by CEFN, sponsors’ generosity, says Mackenzie Jones

A former scholarship recipient has highlighted the life-changing impact of regional education support while addressing a fundraising event for the Country Education Foundation of the Namoi.

Mackenzie Jones, who grew up in Wee Waa and graduated as school captain of Wee Waa High School in 2023, spoke about her journey from a rural town to pursuing tertiary studies, crediting the foundation’s support as a key factor in her progress.

“Growing up in a rural town like Wee Waa teaches you a lot about community,” Ms Jones said.

“It’s the kind of place where people support one another and encourage young people to chase their dreams.”

After finishing school, Ms Jones pursued her interest in animals and agriculture by enrolling in a certificate program in exhibited wildlife and animal care at Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo in 2024. She described the opportunity as both a passion and a practical pathway toward a potential career as a zookeeper.

She said financial assistance from the foundation made that experience possible, even though she ultimately chose not to complete the qualification.

“It allowed me to step outside my comfort zone and have a go, knowing that people believed in me,” she said.

In 2025, Ms Jones received a second grant from the foundation, enabling her to relocate to Armidale to study a Bachelor of Animal Science at the University of New England. Her goals have since evolved, leading her to transfer into a Bachelor of Agriculture aligned with her long-term aspirations in the agricultural sector.

Ms Jones told attendees that her experience reflects a broader reality for many regional students, who often face the challenge of leaving home to pursue further education.

“That can be exciting, but it can also come with financial pressure and uncertainty,” she said. “That’s where the support from organisations like the Country Education Foundation and the generosity of donors make such a powerful difference.”

She emphasised that scholarships provide more than financial assistance, describing them as a source of belief and encouragement.

“It’s placing a hand on your shoulder and saying, ‘we see your potential, and we want to help you get there’,” she said.

Ms Jones said this support helps bridge the gap between ambition and opportunity for students from rural areas, giving them the confidence to pursue tertiary education and future careers that can benefit their home communities.

“Programs like the CEF don’t just support individual students—they invest in the future of regional Australia,” she said.

She thanked donors and sponsors for their contributions, saying their generosity “genuinely changes lives” and enables students like herself to pursue opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach.

Country Education Foundation of the Namoi chair Cara Stoltenberg welcomed Ms Jones to last week’s fundraising event.

Mrs Stoltenberg explained to the gathering the role the CEFN plays in supporting local students seeking post-secondary school studies and qualifications.

“CEF Namoi exists because we believe that a student’s postcode should never limit their potential,” she said.

“Every year, we help local students take their next step into university, TAFE, apprenticeships or specialised training programs.

“Your support tonight doesn’t just fund education. It fuels confidence, it tells a young person we believe in you, and that belief can make all the difference.

“Together, we’re investing in the future … the teachers, nurses, tradespeople, farmers, business owners of our region. You’re strengthening the future of Narrabri Shire, one student at a time.”

Mrs Stoltenberg thanked sponsors and the broader community for giving generously to the CEFN, and for standing behind young people in the region.