• Charles Sturt University is a major long-term supporter of the Hastings Education Fund (HEF) and recently helped stage the annual scholarship presentation to outstanding youth from across Port Macquarie-Hastings

Charles Sturt University in Port Macquarie is a major long-term supporter of the Hastings Education Fund (HEF) and recently helped stage the annual scholarship presentation on Monday 11 December.

The Hastings Education Fund is part of the Country Education Foundation (CEF) and awarded 31 commencing scholarships and four continuing scholarships.

Charles Sturt Director of External Engagement (Port Macquarie) Ms Kate Wood-Foye said the University was proud to actively support the Hastings Education Fund (HEF) and the recent annual scholarship presentation celebration (recipients pictured top).

“Charles Sturt University has been a Gold Sponsor since the inception of the Hastings Education Fund 12 years ago,” Ms Wood-Foye said.

“Hastings Education Fund do incredible work led by a dynamic and dedicated team and it is perfectly aligned with the University’s strategy and vision as a leading regional university in supporting aspiration and achievement for regional and rural youth.

“We have welcomed many of the lucky scholarship recipients to courses at Charles Sturt University in Port Macquarie and across our footprint throughout the fund’s 12-year history.

“We were delighted to see the calibre of students awarded at the ceremony, such a credit to each of the students’ dedication and resilience and to the wonderful educators, families and communities who support and champion them.”

Ms Wood-Foye (pictured at right) said the University provided the venue and complementary event support to the HEF celebration on Monday 11 December and is delighted to encourage the connection and support of a HEF network for previous and current recipients of HEF scholarships to ensure they connect and have support while studying.

The Country Education Foundation and Hastings Education Fund mission is to support rural and regional youth (aged 16 to 25 years) to access the services and resources they need to maintain their wellbeing and fulfil their personal potential, so they are able to contribute fully to the vibrant and thriving communities in which they live and the broader society.

Speaking at the event, Chair of Hastings Education Fund Mr Jim O’Brien (pictured at left) said there are two main criteria for students to receive a HEF scholarship.

“The first is need,” he said, “We talk about ‘circumstantial need’ because need can be broader than financial and takes into account other family and environmental factors.

“The second criterion is commitment. The HEF mission is to help committed school leavers who would struggle financially, or through other circumstances, to pursue their further education and career goals.”

Mr O’Brien is passionate about the HEF motto to Dream-Believe-Achieve.

“We encourage school leavers to set goals, to dare to dream of acquiring the skills and knowledge for a great career,” he said.

“We also encourage them to believe in themselves, to have self-belief. We also believe in them. We don’t just tell them that. We show them that we believe in them by giving them practical help in the form of grants and scholarships to help them achieve their goals.”