MOREE electrician and refrigeration mechanic Oscar Davis will soon be armed with dual trades, thanks to a scholarship from Country Education Foundation in Moree.

CEF Moree – part of an Australia-wide network – was established to provide much-needed financial assistance and support to local youth.

Grants assist post-high school education, training and vocation aspirations and CEF recognises the cost of rural students pursuing post-high school goals is often much greater than those in metropolitan areas.

For Oscar, being awarded a CEF scholarship meant completing TAFE with a certificate lll in electrotechnology, making him a qualified electrician.

“The scholarship played a pivotal role in my academic and practical learning journey, which has had a lasting impact on my life,” Oscar said.

“I am pleased to say I am still working at my original employers, Woods Air-Conditioning and Electrical, a local family business owned by three brothers, who originally gave me the opportunity and hired me as a school-based apprentice.

“Not long after completing my electrical trade, I have been fortunate enough to continue my learning, and extend my knowledge as a third-year refrigeration and air-conditioning apprentice,” he said.

“The knowledge and experience I gained during my studies have been invaluable, and I truly believe the support from CEF has helped shape the path I’m on today.”

Woods Air-Conditioning and Electrical also has an apprentice close to completing final exams and finishing a trade as well as three apprentices in their second year of trades, including electrical, air-conditioning and refrigeration.

“Being a tradesman and supervisor, I’m given the opportunity to further train these apprentices and extend their knowledge and skills to accomplish a high standard of work,” Oscar said.

Moree electrician and refrigeration mechanic Oscar Davis will soon be armed with dual trades, thanks to a scholarship from Country Education Foundation in Moree.

Head of marketing and student contact at CEF Moree, Sheree Cayirylys, said CEF fundraises locally and accepts donations from Moree and district residents and businesses.

“These help provide financial grants to students who need a helping hand,” Sheree said.

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

“It’s our way of saying ‘we believe in you, and want to support your goals’,” she said.

Moree recipients this year include Austin Budiada, Elyne Tighe, Sam Dunlop, Bella Nash, Tom Watts, Olivia Turner, Callum Ward, Jeremiah Young, Claudia Turner and Amelia Mitchell.

Austin Budiada, who is studying a Bachelor of Science at University of New South Wales, said the grant greatly assists his studies.

“I’ve put the funds towards purchasing a laptop, textbooks and safety equipment for my laboratory classes,” Austin said.

“The grant definitely lessened my worries about moving to a new place for study, especially a large city.

“I can put more energy into my study and courses, without too much burden,” he said.

Applications for 2026 CEF grants are now open until October 31, 2025. Applicants must be aged 16 to 25 years; attended school or currently living in the region covered by Moree CEF; committed to achieving goals; demonstrate financial need; and be training or studying post-secondary – tertiary – study.

Applications can be made online at 2026 CEF Moree Grants Apply HERE.

The CEF in Moree committee will hold its AGM on Tuesday, September 23 at Boyce and Co on Albert Street between 6pm and 7pm. The AGM will also be available via the Teams app.

“We welcome new members to help contribute to the local community by being a part of the CEF in Moree,” Sheree said.

The Country Education Foundation does not receive government funding, with all work funded through private and corporate philanthropy.

To donate, go to CEF Donations or call 0263 623162.