• The Charles Sturt University Community-University Partnership (CUP) Grants program has assisted the Bathurst-based Boys to the Bush initiative with a $1,000 grant

Charles Sturt University is assisting disengaged boys in the Bathurst area through $1,000 in funding awarded to the Boys to the Bush program through its annual Community University Partnerships (CUP) Grants Program.

Boys to the Bush is an early intervention program, assisting to reconnect disengaged boys. The charity operates in 13 locations across NSW and Victoria and is helping many families in the Bathurst area.

The $1,000 grant will support the charity’s work of providing a fresh, hearty breakfast to course participants each day, with products purchased locally through family-owned businesses that already provide support to the charity.

Charles Sturt Director of External Engagement (Orange and Bathurst) Ms Julia Andrews, said the CUP Grant program is a small grants program designed to support the development of the University’s regions through contributions to cultural, economic, sporting and related activities.

“CUP grants also build higher education aspiration and awareness particularly among young people in rural and regional communities,” Ms Andrews said.

“The University recently announced CUP grants for ten applicants including the ‘Boys to the Bush’ program, and the opportunity to support such a worthwhile program is what the fund is all about.”

Boys to the Bush (Bathurst) Manager Mr Kurt Hancock was appreciative of the funding.

“What we do is all about community,” said Mr Kurt Hancock.

“With around 27 per cent of 12- to19-year-olds skipping breakfast each day, it’s a focus many schools and charities have across the state.

“It’s important for these young fellas to start the day right, and we all know that’s hard on an empty stomach, but if we can also spend the funds locally with the businesses that already support us, then there is a much wider benefit.

“Most of the kids we work with arrive without breakfast and maybe even without dinner the night before. They not only learn to cook for themselves, but also how the budgeting and purchasing process works to ensure we cover an entire term of meals.”

Member for Bathurst The Hon. Mr Paul Toole, MP, said it was great to see two key local organisations working together to help create change.

In 2023 Charles Sturt University CUP Grants disbursed $64,650 to 66 projects in five grant categories across seven regional locations and communities. Grant categories include Arts and Culture, Sports Development, Education Development, Health and Wellbeing, and Environmental Sustainability.

Visit www.boystothebush.org.au for more information about Boys to the Bush programs, or to get involved.