Meet CEF Alumnus and Volunteer Lachie Barrett

What do you do for a living?

Since completing university, I have returned to the country and now work as a Classroom Teacher and Boarding Staff member at Kinross Wolaroi School in Orange.

What is your connection to rural and regional Australia?

My connection to rural and regional Australia begins on flat country in Coonamble, NSW where I grew up on the humble rural holdings of Willaga, 2 hours north of Dubbo, NSW. This connection continues today in the colour city known as Orange, NSW where I proudly work in education.

How did CEF’s support when you were a student help you the most?

My family and I are immensely thankful for the invaluable support provided by CEF. Their assistance enabled me to pursue my dream of attending university in Sydney. From 2017 to 2019, CEF’s support facilitated my five-year journey at Sydney University, where I completed a bachelor degree with First Class Honours in Education. During this time, I spent three magnificent years at St Andrew’s College, and I owe a special debt of gratitude to former Coonamble District Education Foundation (CDEF) volunteers Ginny Taylor and Mary Skuthorpe for their contributions and networks in helping me to gain residency at St Andrew’s.

Why are you involved with your local CEF foundation?

I’m involved with my local CEF foundation as I believe in the importance of supporting young people in achieving their educational goals. CEF provides valuable assistance and opportunities for students in our community, and I want to contribute to that mission by volunteering my time and resources. Helping students access higher education and pursue their dreams is incredibly rewarding, and I’m proud to be a part of that effort. Furthermore, the CEF Orange and District (CEF Orange) committee is genuinely outstanding, and I take immense pleasure in participating, working alongside, and gaining wisdom from the generous, wise, and spirited committee members.

Why do you think it is so important to support the educational pursuits of the students from your community?

For me, backing the educational pursuits of our local students is so important as it enables them to pursue their dreams and passions. Growing up in a regional setting, I understand the challenges, such as financial and social barriers, that students face when contemplating post-school education. Support from organisations like CEF can transform these obstacles into opportunities for growth.

What activities do you undertake as a committee to support your regional youth?

The CEF Orange committee is dedicated to supporting regional youth through a variety of initiatives. These include offering grants to assist students in pursuing higher education or vocational training and establishing a buddy program to guide students along their educational and career paths. Our recent ‘Garden Party’ fundraising event at Anfield Gardens in Orange, NSW and partnerships with valued community organisations such as Ashcroft’s IGA, assist in our vision to create awareness, support and funds for local students to pursue their post school dreams.

What do you hope to achieve for regional youth by being involved with CEF and your local foundation?

By being involved with CEF, I hope to create conversation and positive change for regional youth to have access to the same career enhancing educational opportunities as their city counterparts.

Tell us one or two good news/success stories about your students that stand out to you?

Each student who continues their education beyond high school represents success to me. One remarkable example is a 17-year-old CEF student pursuing a career as an agricultural mechanic. Her dedication to her chosen path demonstrates an impressive level of maturity. She not only champions the CEF but also inspires others with her pursuit of her ambitions. Especially notable is her contribution as an apprentice, introducing innovative approaches to problem-solving within the company, streamlining mechanical processes and reducing manual labour intensity.

What is the best thing about living in your regional town and community?

Home is where the heart is, and my heart is certainly in the bush. Living in Orange, NSW is the best as it provides a unique blend of natural beauty, culinary delights and community spirit.