Community & Business
11 June, 2026
Country Education Foundation to host Trivia Night this month
Community Spirit Fuels Local Students to Achieve Big Dreams
In January of this year, the Country Education Foundation (CEF) of Gilgandra and District allocated financial assistance to a record number of students embarking on their tertiary studies. It is an incredible milestone for the region, but a CEF spokesperson said the hard work must continue to ensure local youth aren't left behind.
To keep supporting these young achievers, the foundation needs to raise vital funds for the next two years of students, appealing to the community on a biannual basis to help make this happen.
Since the foundation first began supporting local students back in 2003, it has entered its 23rd year of operation. In that time, the charity has helped 235 young people achieve their goals. The total value of these grants has now reached almost $250,000, calling it a magnificent testament to the immense generosity of the local community.
Assistance from the CEF is designed to relieve some of the financial pressures country students face when starting tertiary education. Students simply submit receipts for their study-related purchases, such as textbooks, accommodation, tools, and travel expenses, to the treasurer, who then reimburses them up to the value of their allocated grant.
Additionally, co-funding organised by the CEF national office, based in Orange, has significantly boosted the value given to many local students. This corporate funding is much greater in value than what the local branch could ever afford on its own, and students automatically become eligible for it once they qualify for a local grant.
Because the foundation is a registered charity, taxation benefits apply to the business community as well as to individuals who chip in.
Local organisations, such as the Gilgandra and Central West Community Bank (Bendigo Bank) have been outstanding major sponsors during the difficult recent years of drought, the mice plague, COVID, and flooding. Now, the foundation is appealing to the parents, grandparents, friends, and families who have benefited from the foundation in the past to help assist the next generation.
A CEF spokesperson emphasised that educating country students ensures they can ultimately contribute back to country areas. While neighbouring Coonamble and Narromine have their own Country Education Foundations, Dubbo and Coonabarabran do not. As a result, the Gilgandra and District branch has proudly stepped up to assist students from Mendooran, Warren, Dubbo, and Coonabarabran. The ultimate aim of the organisation is simply to help those in need of assistance. The foundation relies heavily on community support to continue this vital work and invites everyone to get involved in its upcoming events.
Tickets are now available for the Trivia Fundraiser night, to be held at the Gilgandra Services Club this month. Looking further ahead, supporters can also lock in the Dinner by the River at the Golf Club in September.
For any local students looking for support, the process to apply online opens next month.
