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Education

Moree uni students Elyne Tighe and Tom Watts granted CEF scholarships

Oct 11, 2024

UNIVERSITY students Elyne Tighe and Tom Watts – both from Moree – have received scholarships through the Country Education Foundation to help fund their tertiary studies.

The CEF in Moree was established in 2011 to give financial assistance and support to local youth to help them achieve post-high school education, training and vocational guidance.

To date, nearly 30 students from the Moree Plains have been assisted financially.

Elyne is studying Medicine at University of NSW in Sydney and Tom is studying International Business at Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane.

Elyne said the scholarship has helped ease the financial stress a life at university can create.

“The CEF Scholarship has been extremely valuable for me, as it has alleviated the financial burden of paying for my accommodation while I complete my tertiary studies,” Elyne said.

“This support has also opened doors to opportunities I never thought possible.

“With less pressure to help support myself financially, I have been able to fully focus on my studies and personal growth.”

Scholarship recipient Elyne Tighe is studying Medicine at University of NSW in Sydney (image supplied).

Elyne has taken on leadership roles, such as being a pastoral care leader at St Andrew’s College and is an active member of the UNSW Medical Students’ Society.

She also serves as an Indigenous representative for the Rural Allied Health & Medical Students Society.

“The scholarship is a lovely reminder of the wonderful community I come from and the importance of giving back to my regional community when I return home for holidays, and into the future as I further develop and learn my chosen field,” Elyne said.

Scholarship recipient Tom Watts is studying International Business at Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane (image supplied).

Tom thanked the foundation team in Moree for scholarship selection.

“The funds have been a tremendous help, particularly in covering my college expenses while attending university,” Tom said.

“Beyond the financial support, I truly appreciate how invested the CEF team has been in my academic journey, regularly checking in to see how I’m progressing.

“Their ongoing encouragement and assistance have made a significant difference in my university experience,” he said.

The CEF recognises the cost of rural students pursuing post high school goals is often much greater than those of metropolitan counterparts and sometimes these costs can be prohibitive.

With this in mind, CEF Moree fundraises throughout the year and accepts donations from local residents and businesses in order to provide financial grants to students who need a helping hand.

The funds come directly from the Moree community – none of it is government-funded – and celebrates the aspirations of local youth and works to help them achieve their goals.

CEF Moree chair Jodi Ritchie said students aged between 16-25 and undertaking studies – VET or University – are encouraged to apply through the Country Education Foundation of Australia website: https://cef.org.au/

Applications for 2024 scholarships opened in July and close October 31.

“Applications will be assessed based on a range of criteria and then awarded. These funds are then used to support students completing their studies, this includes tuition, boarding, IT equipment or text books,” Jodi said.

CEF Moree committee members (from left) Jono Hart, Rebecca English, Sheree Cayirylys, Jodi Ritchie, Sandra Squires and Helen Watt (image supplied).

Once an application review and interview process is complete, local grants are allocated to eligible student  by the CEF Moree committee.

“We are currently seeking donations to support applications for 2025 and are calling out for new members at our AGM on October 23.”

Persons interested in joining CEF Moree can email [email protected] for meeting details.

Sheree Cayirylys, the conduit between students and the Country Education Foundation in Moree, said funding was sourced locally.

“The foundation is made up of a small committee of volunteers,” Sheree said.

“Grants and scholarships are from fundraising and donations from community businesses, organisations and inndividuals.

“The scholarships are for local students who go on to tertiary studies at university, TAFE or through private studies. The funds are not for actual fees, but living expenses and learning tools, and students report in regularly,” Sheree said.

 

1 Comment

  1. jodiepitman@hotmail.com'

    So Wonderful to help these determined students! UNSW is a fantastic medicine course. Our daughter did very well there 😊

    Reply

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