Audi Foundation – CEF Alumni Awards
The Audi Foundation – CEF Alumni Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of our students and alumni. These awards highlight their educational and career journeys, as well as the meaningful impact they are making in their communities, chosen fields or with CEF.
”I am blown away by the achievements of our students and alumni. The commitment towards their education and career goals is nothing short of extraordinary. We celebrate these students and alumni, but also the CEF local foundations who believed in their aspirations from the very beginning.
Wendy MasonCEO Country Education Foundation
Categories
-
CEF ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR
A past recipient who has achieved on a regional, national or international stage, showing excellence in character and leadership and demonstrating high achievement.
-
CEF YOUNG ACHIEVER
A recent graduate with determination and talent, resulting in early career accomplishments in their field of choice.
-
CEF COMMUNITY ALUMNI CHAMPION
A recipient who has taken their knowledge back to a regional area to share and inspire, and who fosters further education.
-
CEF RISING STAR
A current student (1st or 2nd year) with a bright future and demonstrated commitment to achieving their goals.
-
CEF LAUNCHING STAR
A current student (3rd year or above) with a bright future and demonstrated commitment to achieving their goals.
Criteria
To qualify for one of the five Alumni Award categories, a student or alumni must have received support from a CEF local foundation for a minimum of one year. Nominations are open to all, and self nominations are welcome!
Winners will receive
-
CEF ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR
$500 eftpos/visa gift card
-
CEF COMMUNITY ALUMNI CHAMPION
$250 eftpos/visa gift card
-
CEF YOUNG ACHIEVER
$250 eftpos/visa gift card
-
CEF RISING STAR
$250 eftpos/visa gift card
-
CEF LAUNCHING STAR
$250 eftpos/visa gift card
Mentor Program
As part of the program this year, we would like to offer each winner the opportunity to participate in an exclusive mentoring program. Each winner will be assigned their own mentor to discuss their personal growth, career aspirations and goals.
”Our volunteers inspire students, communities and each other. I encourage you to celebrate and honour their efforts by nominating outstanding members.
Katie WalkerBoard Member | CEF
2025 Winner
Helen Bryan | 2025 Katie Walker Award for Outstanding Service
A founding member of the Great Lakes Education Fund and its long-serving Public Officer, Helen has dedicated 14 years to supporting local students. She pioneered the Student Liaison Officer role, offering emotional, logistical, and financial support to students, especially those facing significant challenges. From organising accommodation and emergency funding to hosting coffee catch-ups and mentoring, Helen’s impact is deeply personal and long lasting.
Katie Walker Outstanding Service Award
At CEF our Volunteers are the champions of what we do, what we believe in and how we connect with our local community to make the greatest impact.
Each CEF local foundation is run by a committee of dedicated volunteers. Every year volunteers work with their communities to raise local funds to support local youth in post-school aspirations. They also campaign to identify and allocate those funds to pursue their career aspirations. Our CEF recipients know that their foundations have confidence that they will be supported on their path to their career dreams.
Each year we award one volunteer the Katie Walker Outstanding Service Award, in the name of Katie Walker, a founding member, past CEO and board member of Country Education Foundation of Australia who truly understands the vital role volunteers play in providing wrap-around support for young rural and regional people seeking further education.
Criteria
– A volunteer who has been with CEF for a minimum of 2 years.
– A volunteer who has recently contributed to the growth and development of their local foundation.
– A volunteer who has demonstrated a personal commitment and dedication to supporting their local youth.
The Process
There is no doubt singling out one CEF volunteer for outstanding service is an arduous task. So much so we need a whole panel to navigate the process. This independent panel will rely solely on your nomination.
The recipient will be announced at the CEF luncheon on Friday 9th October in Sydney.
What to do
Please craft a compelling story with examples and details of your nominee’s work that will truly demonstrate that outstanding quality.
Recent recipients
2025
Helen Bryan – Great Lakes
2024
Katrina Norwood – Shoalhaven
2023
Robyn Phillips – Gwydir
2022
Justin Fleming – Boorowa
2021
Margaret Carey – Grenfell
Previous recipients
2020
Mary Browne – Great Lakes
Beth Hoskins – Goulburn
2019
Jane McGrath – Griffith
Pierre Gregor – Kangaroo Island
Sam Flanery – Harden
Nic Carmody – Yass
2018
John Trist – Edward River
Chen Gaul – Hastings
Ken Martin – Coleambally/Darlington Point
2017
Anne Hornsey – Kapunda
Charlotte Middleton – Harden
Elaine Clarke – Coleambally/Darlington Point
Penny Sheppard – Coleambally/Darlington Point
Paula Heelan – Clermont
Sue Richards – Great Lakes
2016
Trish McKenzie – Paroo
Patricia Jacka – Wool, Wine & Wheat Clare Valley
Trish Solomon – Braidwood
Virginia Taylor – Coonamble
”My involvement with GLEF gives me meaningful contact with young people in my community and the difficulties facing rural and regional youth. Volunteering for CEF is truly a worthwhile experience and I am very proud to be a part of it.
Helen Bryan
Great Lakes
2025 Katie Walker Award Recipient
”Investing in our young people is the best investment in our future. They are inspirational and who motivate me to keep going.
Margaret Carey
CEF Grenfell
2021 Katie Walker Award Recipient
”I thoroughly enjoy supporting the Country Education Foundation and the young people of Boorowa.
Justin Fleming
CEF Boorowa
2022 Katie Walker Award Recipient
”I didn’t attend university because I couldn’t afford to go. I just wanted to make it as easy as possible for young people to have the best opportunities for a good, quality education.
Katrina Norwood
Shoalhaven Education Fund
2024 Katie Walker Award Recipient
Meet our past award recipients
Nominations are open for the 2026 Audi Foundation – CEF Alumni Awards
Nominations are open for the 2026 Audi Foundation – CEF Alumni Awards
Read More
Cootamundra apprentice receives Country Education Foundation Rising Star Award
Cootamundra apprentice receives Country Education Foundation Rising Star Award
Read More
‘Launching Star’ from Merriwa area receives award for commitment to social justice and rural equity
‘Launching Star’ from Merriwa area receives award for commitment to social justice and rural equity
Read More
Country Education Foundation student from Shoalhaven receives Community Alumni Champion award
Country Education Foundation student from Shoalhaven receives Community Alumni Champion award
Read More
From Garema to the global stage: Francesca Fenton named Country Education Foundation Young Achiever
From Garema to the global stage: Francesca Fenton named Country Education Foundation Young Achiever
Read More
Great Lakes graduate named Country Education Foundation’s Alumnus of the Year
Great Lakes graduate named Country Education Foundation’s Alumnus of the Year
Read More
Standout students and alumni celebrated at the 2025 Audi Foundation–CEF Alumni Awards
Standout students and alumni celebrated at the 2025 Audi Foundation–CEF Alumni Awards
Read More
A passion for community celebrated through the 2024 Audi Foundation – CEF Alumni Awards
A passion for community celebrated through the 2024 Audi Foundation – CEF Alumni Awards
Read More
Nominations are open for 2024 CEF Awards
