Supporting students who lived or went to school in the postcodes of 2390, 2397, 2347, 2356, 2382, 2386, 2387 or 2388.
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Country Education Foundation of Namoi was established to provide financial assistance and support to local youth to help them achieve their post-high school education, training and vocation aspirations.
We recognise that the cost of regional students pursuing further education and training is often much higher than their metropolitan counterparts and that sometimes, these costs can be prohibitive.
With this in mind, CEF Namoi fundraises throughout the year to provide financial grants to celebrate the aspirations of our local youth and help them achieve their goals.
Country Education Foundation of Namoi was established to provide financial assistance and support to local youth to help them achieve their post-high school education, training and vocation aspirations.
We recognise that the cost of regional students pursuing further education and training is often much higher than their metropolitan counterparts and that sometimes, these costs can be prohibitive.
With this in mind, CEF Namoi fundraises throughout the year to provide financial grants to celebrate the aspirations of our local youth and help them achieve their goals.
Our impact
since 2003
117
Students Supported
$180,000
In Financial Support
Our local grants
Local grants are provided to enable rural and regional youth to continue their education and training post high school, whether that’s university study, a trade, a diploma or certificate, or an apprenticeship.
Local grant funds are given as reimbursements to cover educational expenses like textbooks, travel, laptops, accommodation, tools, uniforms and other study related costs.
Who is eligible?
To be eligible for a grant from CEF Namoi you:
• Are aged between 16-25;
• Live or went to school in the Narrabri and Wee Waa footprint;
• Can demonstrate need; and,
• Show commitment to achieving your goal.
After applications close, the committee will review all applications.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an interview, with grants allocations based on the application and interview.
Our local scholarships
We provide local grants to students looking to continue on with post-school education. Thanks to our generous donor, William McIlrath Foundation, we also provide three significant scholarships.
Thanks to the support of our local donors, we also offer the following scholarships:
The William McIlrath Charitable Foundation – CEF Scholarship
The WMCF – CEF Scholarship is valued at $22,000 in total, and is distributed over three (3) years. This scholarship is awarded to an individual who prides themselves on their achievements and shows immense promise in their chosen field of study. They will have a high ATAR and provide evidence of outstanding achievements at school and within the community.
To be eligible for this scholarship you must:
• have lived in or attended school in the CEF Namoi region for a period of at least five (5) years.
• be approved for an offer of place or enrolled on a full-time basis in an undergraduate Degree in Australia.
• be identified by CEF Namoi as requiring support.
The William McIlrath Charitable Foundation – Resilience Scholarship
The WMRS Scholarship is valued at $10,000, paid over one (1) year, and is awarded to a student who demonstrates not only great financial need, but also strength of character, and a determination to succeed and overcome any possible obstacle/s in their pursuit to further their education.
To be eligible for this scholarship you must:
• have lived in or attended school in CEF Namoi region for a period of at least five (5) years.
• be approved for an offer of place or enrolled on a full-time basis in an undergraduate Degree in Australia.
• be identified by CEF Namoi as requiring support.
The William McIlrath Charitable Foundation – Tradesperson’s Scholarship.
The WMCFT Scholarship is valued at $10,000, and will be paid to a local tradesperson from the Namoi Valley catchment that has recently started a trade, or plans to start in the next year.
To be eligible for this scholarship you must:
• Be aged 16–25 years.
• Demonstrate genuine financial need.
• Show commitment to achieving a recognised trade qualification.
• Intend to pursue a career in a skilled trade.
• Live, work, or have a strong connection to the Namoi River Catchment.
• Be enrolled in, or gree to enroll in, an apprenticeship, traineeship, or accredited trade course.
• Demonstrate good character and a strong work ethic.
• Show involvement in their local community.
• Be willing to undertake training and employment within the Namoi River Catchment where practical.
• Applicants should live, work, or have a demonstrated connection to the Namoi River Catchment and intend to contribute to the region’s skilled workforce.
Please note that preference may be given to applicants intending to remain in or return to the Namoi River Catchment after completing their qualification.
The CEF Extra Program provides additional scholarships funded by generous donors, corporate and philanthropic partners.
When you receive a local grant, you may be nominated for a CEF Extra scholarship.
Student FAQs
Which postcodes meet the eligibility criteria?
If you lived or attended school in 2390, 2397, 2347, 2356, 2382, 2386, 2387 or 2388, you are eligible to apply for a grant from CEF Namoi.
What local schools are covered by the foundation?
Our local area schools
Narrabri High School
Wee Waa High School
Is there an age criteria?
You must be between the ages of 16 and 25.
Your obligations
When you receive a CEF grant, you agree to the following obligations:
Notify CEF if any of your circumstances change. This includes contact or enrolment details.
Report to CEF every six months (mid and end of year).
Where possible, assist with and attend local foundation fundraising and promotional events.
Mid and End of Year Progress Reports
As part of receiving a grant, you will need to report to CEF Namoi and the CEF national office every six months on how you are progressing, how the grant has assisted you and provide your marks/grades for the semester if applicable. You will receive an email asking you to fill out an online form for mid-year and end-of-year progress reports.
How do I claim funds?
We do not provide cash grants directly to grant recipients. CEF Namoi reimburses you for a pre-agreed expense or pays for the goods and services directly to the provider.
You cannot be reimbursed for more funds or spend more money than you have been allocated in any financial year.
Please contact our Treasurer if you have questions about claiming funds.
Send us an email
CEF Connect Program
When you receive a CEF scholarship or grant, you automatically become a member of the CEF family.
Membership is free and opens up a range of benefits from mentoring and networking opportunities to speaker events.
See more about the CEF Connect Program here.
Can I apply again next year?
Grants are given on an annual basis, so you need to apply each year for funding. Keep an eye on the open and close dates of your foundation.
Our CEF Namoi Team
Country Education Foundation of Namoi is run by a committee of enthusiastic local volunteers. If you would like to get involved, volunteer or donate, please reach out to us.
Our CEF Namoi Supporters
Our work in Narrabri and Wee Waa is made possible thanks to the support of generous individuals, local businesses and groups.
They help us continue our work to support local students.
What our CEF Namoi students & volunteers say
I am grateful for this support, as it will undoubtedly contribute to my growth and preparation for future endeavours within the agricultural industry
The funds will play a pivotal role in my academic and professional development. Work placements not only enhance my theoretical learning but will also provide me invaluable hands-on skills that are essential for my future career.
The funds will play a pivotal role in my academic and professional development. Work placements not only enhance my theoretical learning but will also provide me invaluable hands-on skills that are essential for my future career.
Caitlyn
BACHELOR OF AGRICULTURAL BUSINESS MANAGEMENT | CHARLES STURT UNIVERSITY
Receiving this scholarship has taken a huge financial weight off my shoulders. As I had to relocate for university, I have to pay for accommodation and it also allows me to spend more time on my studies, instead of working.
Meagan
Bachelor of Mechatronic Engineering | University of New South Wales
I am grateful for this support, as it will undoubtedly contribute to my growth and preparation for future endeavours within the agricultural industry
The funds will play a pivotal role in my academic and professional development. Work placements not only enhance my theoretical learning but will also provide me invaluable hands-on skills that are essential for my future career.
The funds will play a pivotal role in my academic and professional development. Work placements not only enhance my theoretical learning but will also provide me invaluable hands-on skills that are essential for my future career.
Caitlyn
BACHELOR OF AGRICULTURAL BUSINESS MANAGEMENT | CHARLES STURT UNIVERSITY
Receiving this scholarship has taken a huge financial weight off my shoulders. As I had to relocate for university, I have to pay for accommodation and it also allows me to spend more time on my studies, instead of working.
Meagan
Bachelor of Mechatronic Engineering | University of New South Wales
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