Lachie Barrett – Recipient of the Audi Foundation-CEF Alumnus of the Year Award 2026. Interviews available on request
The youngest member of the Country Education Foundation of Orange & District (CEF), who was also one of The Educator’s Most Influential Educators in 2026, Lachlan Barrett, has been recognised as the 2026 Audi Foundation–CEF Alumnus of the Year! Lachie was recognised at an event at NSW Parliament House for his academic achievement, community leadership, and impact on the education sector.
Lachlan Barrett
Local foundation:
CEF Coonamble
CEF Orange and Districts
Institution:
The University of Sydney
Course:
Bachelor of Education
First Class Honours in Aboriginal Education
Award:
2026 Audi Foundation-CEF Alumnus of the Year
Education graduate with First Class Honours in Aboriginal Education, and CEF Orange and District committee member, Lachlan Barrett was honoured during the 2026 Audi Foundation-CEF Alumni Awards (the Awards) on Friday 9th October – a signature event on the Country Education Foundation (CEF) calendar.
The Awards honour past and present CEF-supported students in five categories who demonstrate merit, commitment and dedication to their studies or training, and are making standout contributions in their communities.
The Audi Foundation–Country Education Foundation Alumnus of the Year Award is presented to a past recipient who has achieved on a regional, national or international stage, showing excellence in character and leadership and demonstrating high achievement.
County Education Foundation CEO Wendy Mason said the positive impact Lachie has had on students and staff in the education sector and on the communities around him was far-reaching.
“Lachie was a student supported through the Coonamble and District Education Foundation, who then joined the CEF Orange & District Foundation as a committee member, as he wanted to support other regional students,” Ms Mason said.
“He has had a profound impact on the school community at Kinross Wolaroi in Orange, was a panel facilitator at our CEF National Volunteer Conference in July, and received the prestigious award of being named one of The Educator’s Most Influential Educators in 2026.
“He continues to support regional education however he can and is highly deserving of the Audi Foundation-CEF Alumnus of the Year Award.”
Lachie is currently working as a teacher and boarding staff member at Kinross Wolaroi School, Orange where his passion for learning and growth of young people, both academically and as contributors in society continues to have positive impacts.
Lachie said the impact of CEF on his educational journey went far beyond the financial support he received.
“I was fortunate to receive support from the Country Education Foundation Coonamble from 2017 – 2019, while studying at The University of Sydney and residing at St Andrew’s College,” Lachie said.
“It was the encouragement, conversations and belief from Mary Skuthorpe and Ginny Taylor from my local foundation in Coonamble that were instrumental as I considered making the significant move from Coonamble to Sydney.”
Lachie said receiving the Alumnus of the Year award was particularly meaningful because CEF forms such an important part of his own story.
“I was fortunate to have people invest in my future. Being in a position now where I can invest in the futures of others is something I consider an enormous privilege,” he said.
When it comes to words of wisdom for students chasing their dreams, Lachie said that growing up in regional Australia gives you perspectives, experiences and strengths that are enormously valuable.
”There will be moments when an opportunity feels unfamiliar or when you wonder whether you belong in a particular university, workplace or profession. Take the opportunity anyway. Ask questions. Find good people. Seek mentors. Be prepared to be uncomfortable and keep learning.
