What is the Tim Fischer Fellowship?
The Tim Fischer Fellowship (TFF) is a prestigious program designed to support individuals passionate about making a difference in rural and regional Australia through the power of education.
Inspired by Tim Fischer’s honesty, integrity, and selflessness, this Fellowship supports a recipient with up to $50,000 in funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help turn their bold ideas into reality. The proposed project must include an education element, whether through communities, workplaces, youth, students or other educational contexts.
Whether you’re an aspiring leader, a dedicated professional, a researcher or an emerging innovator, this Fellowship is your opportunity to create real impact and advance your career.
2026 Key Dates
Applications Open Tuesday 14th July
Applications Close Monday 24th August
Finalist in person interviews Thursday 8th October (Sydney)
CEF Awards luncheon Friday 9th October (Sydney)
Fellowship Commences October 2026
Applications open 14th July – 24th August
2026 Key Dates
Applications Open Tuesday 14th July
Applications Close Monday 24th August
Finalist in person interviews Thursday 8th October (Sydney)
CEF Awards luncheon Friday 9th October (Sydney)
Fellowship Commences October 2026
The Fellowship objectives
– Recognise an individual who is passionate about making a difference to rural and regional Australia.
– Support an individual’s mission by funding them to explore new ideas and insights to put their ideas into practice.
– Inspire change across rural and regional Australia through the power of education.
– To strengthen communities and influence services and policies both locally and nationally.
– Support further study or exploration to contribute to the mission of CEF.
CEF Mission
“To promote and enable equal access to further education and career opportunities for rural and regional youth, irrespective of background, circumstances or location through community-based encouragement and financial assistance. To help close the educational attainment gap which exists between country and city students”
What you will receive
– Up to $50,000 for project activities, research or education.
– Access to mentors and a network to advance your leadership skills and expand your network.
– Invitations to key events and networking opportunities.
– Support to share your insights and inspire change in rural and regional Australia.
Who can apply?
The Tim Fischer Fellowship is open to individuals from all fields and career stages.
To be eligible, you must:
– Be an Australian resident and 18 years or older.
– Be passionate about supporting regional and rural communities.
– Be willing to represent Country Education Foundation (CEF) as an ambassador.
– Have a strong vision and commitment to your area of study, work, or interest.
– We encourage CEF students, alumni or volunteers to apply
While preference is given to individuals from rural and regional areas, this is not a requirement.
Your commitment
Tim Fischer Fellows will adhere to the Program Guidelines, participate in regular updates and create a report documenting their learnings and be confident to present these in public, and at CEF events.
Why apply?
– Gain financial support to bring your ideas to life.
– Connect with influential mentors and industry leaders.
– Enhance your career with exclusive development opportunities.
– Make a lasting impact in rural and regional Australia.
Don’t miss this once in a lifetime opportunity!
Apply today and take the next step in your journey to drive positive change.
How to apply
Applying for the Tim Fischer Fellowship is simple!
Follow these steps:
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Complete the online application form on the CEF website.
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Submit a 2-minute video explaining your idea and its potential impact.
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Provide a short written bio and image of yourself (max 350 words).
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Detail how you plan to utilise the Fellowship funding (max 350 words).
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Explain how this Fellowship will benefit your career and community (max 350 words).
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Share how you plan to communicate your insights at the conclusion of the Fellowship.
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Upload up to three supporting documents (e.g., CV/resume, project portfolio).
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Provide two referees (one personal and one professional).
Important: Applications must be submitted by 5.00 PM AEST on 24th August 2026.
Late submissions will not be accepted.
Applications will be accepted via the online application form and you can preview the questions prior to your response here.
Selection process
A panel of experts will evaluate applications based on:
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Alignment with the Fellowship’s mission and objectives.
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Clarity and feasibility of the project proposal.
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Potential impact on rural and regional communities.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to participate in an interview with the judging panel on Thursday 8th October 2026.
The successful recipient will be invited to attend the CEF Award Luncheon on Friday 8th October 2025 in Sydney where the Tim Fischer Fellow will be announced.
Download the Brochure
The TFF Brochure
A full brochure outlining the program is available here. Click the cover to read the brochure in your browser. Or click the text to download the brochure as a pdf.
Download the TFF Brochure
Our 2025 Tim Fischer Fellowship recipient
Annabelle Hudson
Annabelle, from Young, NSW, is passionate about helping rural and regional young people recognise their potential and trust their unique path.
As a psychology tutor at the University of NSW and the University of Technology Sydney, and with experience in the youth suicide prevention research team at Black Dog Institute, she bridges research with real-world impact.
With Fellowship support, Annabelle aims to co-design a tailored program for rural and regional students that helps them build self-knowledge and self-belief, recognise their strengths, and set meaningful goals.
By expanding their sense of possibility and equipping them with practical tools to navigate life’s challenges, she aims to empower rural young people to pursue futures that reflect who they are and what matters most to them.
Our 2025 Tim Fischer Fellowship finalists
Nicole Chiesa
Nicole is a proud mother of three, agricultural advocate, and, with husband Gregg – co-owner of GNC Harvesting in Ingham, North Queensland.
Nicole is championing funding for two connected initiatives she founded with her sisters, which build stronger career pathways into agriculture for rural youth.
Central to this is the AgriLife Skills Program, which offers students in Years 5 to 12 a full day of hands-on learning — from fencing and livestock handling to machinery safety and evenpoly welding.
Delivered by local professionals and backed by the family’s Link 2 Country initiative; these programs equip students with real-world skills by opening career opportunities and strengthening connection and confidence in agriculture at a grassroots level.
Jeff Lloyd
Jeff is a passionate educator, community leader, and parent from Bathurst, NSW, dedicated to empowering regional Australia.
Through his career experience and community engagement, Jeff has led initiatives that uplift families.
Most recently, he developed a course to help parents understand the digital world shaping their children’s lives.
His project, Empowering Rural Families for the Digital Age, draws on his research from his Doctorate of Education to address challenges like social media, online identity, and AI.
With plans to scale this work across as many regional communities as possible, Jeff is building a future where rural communities are equipped to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Tom Norman
Tom is a fifth-generation farmer and athlete from Illabo, NSW.
He earned a Bachelor of Agricultural Science from Charles Sturt University and has a passion for growth – both personal and communal.
Since 2024, he has worked in the family’s cropping team, helping lead their mixed farming operation toward a more sustainable and innovative future.
His project aims to inspire young people to volunteer with the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS), spotlighting real stories from young RFS members.
Tom would engage a professional videographer to assist him in producing the stories. He would dedicate his time traveling to rural communities to amplify these voices through Instagram and TikTok. He is passionate about showing how young volunteers can make a real difference in their community.
Ellen Downes
Ellen is a doctor, farmer, mother, and passionate advocate for rural communities.
Raised in a dairy-farming family on the South Coast of NSW and now based in Canowindra, she balances family and farming life with a deep commitment to improving rural healthcare.
As a Rehabilitation Specialist, Ellen identified a critical gap in cancer treatment services and is on a mission to further develop and promote cancer survivorship care in Australia.
She plans to develop an online resource to ‘connect the dots’ for cancer patients, professionals and families. The aim is to more broadly facilitate this much needed world best practice survivorship care alongside her Cancer Rehabilitation service “Dr Ellen”.
Her vision is to create a comprehensive platform that educates and empowers rural Australians to optimise their outcomes by utilising cancer rehabilitation in a holistic approach. Incorporating Rehabilitation throughout all stages of the cancer journey supports patients, restores confidence and ability, and provides clarity and dignity.
Tegan Hartmann
Dr. Tegan Hartmann is an exercise scientist, educator, and researcher dedicated to improving the health and well-being of regional, rural, and remote Australians.
Her current research explores how exercise can support women’s physical and mental well-being – particularly in managing endometriosis and healing after pregnancy loss, while reducing barriers to care in rural communities.
With limited data on an appropriate exercise dosage for women with endometriosis – especially in rural areas, Dr. Hartmann’s project aims to bridge that gap.
If successful, the Fellowship would fund a 12-week remote exercise program using innovative technology to support women with endometriosis who face geographic barriers to care.
1946-2019
The Hon Tim Fisher AC
The Hon Tim Fischer AC (1946–2019) was an Australian politician, diplomat, and veteran known for his distinguished career in public service and his contributions to Australian society.
He was known for his warmth, intellect, down-to-earth demeanour, and was also a passionate advocate for regional Australia, education, rail transport, and the arts. He was an author, broadcaster and family man.
The Hon Tim Fischer AC was a wonderful supporter and strong advocate for CEF’s work in rural and regional Australia. The former Deputy Prime Minister was involved with CEF for over 15 years.
”Good education provides not only individuals with keys for a positive future; individual meshing cogs to create real progress but also the seeds on which the fabric of the nation can build and progress.
The Hon Tim Fischer AC
The Country Education Foundation is a great facilitator in this regard, a great overall cog in the machinery of the nation – it is deserving of wide support.
