Grenfell residents Peter Spedding and Carol Hargrave, along with former Henry Lawson High School principal, Margaret Carey, last year established the Grenfell branch of the national not-for-profit organisation Country Education Foundation (CEF).
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The idea to bring the program to the Grenfell community was initiated by Mr Spedding, who had heard about the organisation’s success in other rural towns, he is now happy to announce that the first round of scholarship funding has recently been distributed to a number of students within the Weddin Shire who are attending University or TAFE.
“I am thrilled to present these students with their scholarship funding,” said Mr Spedding.
“One student, studying at Bathurst University, showed up to his first day of uni and the teacher politely advised him that his year 12 THLHS laptop computer was not quite (or anywhere near) up to the standards required for his Civil Engineering studies.” Mr Spedding said.
“He then went to Harvey Norman to inquire about the latest deal and they basically said “mate come back when you’ve got a job.
“With assistance from the CEF Grenfell branch we were able to provide financial support for Ryan to purchase a modern laptop that completely meets the requirements for his university degree,” says Mr Spedding.
Students who have applied for and received funding so far are:
Ryan Baldwin – studying Civil Engineering at Bathurst University received $2000 (see Ryan’s photo on Page 5)
Francesca Fenton – studying Performing Arts in Sydney received $1000
Taylor Hewen – studying Psychology at Canberra University received $500
Melissa Causer – studying Radiation Therapy at Wagga University received $1000
Zachary Starr – studying his 3rd year apprenticeship in Boiler Making at Orange TAFE received $500
Shaylee Smith – studying Agriculture/ Northern Beef at Longreach received $1000.
The financial assistance to local students is available through the CEF program thanks to donations from various organsiations such as Lachlan Fertilizers Rural/ Delta Agribusiness, the former CWA Day Branch and the Junior Farmers association along with some seed funding from the national Country Education Foundation head office.
Businesses or organisations wishing to donate to this beneficial local charity are encouraged to email CEFGrenfell@gmail. com, all funds received will go towards providing financial support for local students.
Local students wishing to apply for a Grenfell CEF scholarship can visit www.engage.cef.org.au/ grenfell.
These scholarships can help pay for uni textbooks, a laptop, computer, rent or fuel to get students to their courses.
- Peter Spedding - Chair of Grenfell CEF
