• Charles Sturt University awarded two Community University Partnership (CUP) Grants to Dubbo organisations
• Barnardo’s Wellington received $1,000 to improve its Yalmambirra Learning Centre and Breakfast Club
• Dubbo Senior College Campus received $700 to bridge the gap in financial access to sporting programs

Charles Sturt University is assisting First Nations children and young athletes in the Dubbo area through its annual Community University Partnerships (CUP) Grants Program.

Two local organisations, Barnardo’s Wellington and Dubbo Senior College Campus, received up to $1,000 each for their respective programs.

Barnardo’s Wellington office auspices a range of early intervention family support programs and works with families with children to connect to other local support services.

The organisation has received a $1,000 CUP Grant to fund upgrades to its Yalmambirra Learning Centre and Breakfast Club, which provides a dedicated space for academic support, cultural activities and nutritious meals to First Nations children, bridging educational gaps and empowering them to thrive academically and culturally within the community.

The second CUP grant recipient, Dubbo Senior College Campus, received $700 to enhance the school’s sporting program, bridging the gap between children from lower socio-economic backgrounds and their peers.

Charles Sturt Director of External Engagement (Dubbo) Mr James McKechnie said the CUP Grant program is a grants program designed to support the development of the University’s regions through contributions to cultural, economic, sporting and related activities.

“Each year, these CUP Grants make a world of difference to communities across our regional campus footprints,” he said.

“The opportunity to support worthwhile programs such as those offered through Barnardo’s Wellington and Dubbo Senior College Campus is what the fund is all about.

“CUP Grants also build higher education aspiration and awareness particularly among young people in rural and regional communities.”

Barnardo’s Wellington Program Manager Ms Shiree Talbot said the CUP Grant would go towards essential equipment such as bookcases, tables and chairs to create an appropriate and welcoming learning environment.

“New bookcases will allow the Learning Centre to expand its library resources, providing students with access to a diverse range of educational materials tailored to their needs and interests, which will not only promote literacy but also cultivate a love for learning among the children,” Ms Talbot said.

“Additionally, the purchase of tables and chairs will facilitate collaborative learning experiences and academic support sessions at the Breakfast Club and Learning Centre, enabling students to engage in group activities, tutoring sessions and cultural workshops comfortably and effectively.”

Ms Talbot said these connections would help break down the barriers First Nations children face in accessing education.

“Through our various programs and activities, we promote a sense of belonging, pride and cultural identity among participants, thereby strengthening the fabric of rural and regional communities,” she said.

“In this way, we aim to build stronger, more resilient communities that uphold the dignity and well-being of all their members, now and for generations to come.”

Dubbo Senior College Personal Development, Health and Physical Education Teacher and Talented Athlete Program coordinator Mrs Stephanie Richardson said the CUP Grant would benefit the broader regional community by addressing the disparities in access to sports resources and opportunities.

“With proper funding, we can provide opportunities for scholarships, travel to sporting facilities and access to specialised training programs, opening doors for our students to pursue their athletic dreams beyond high school,” Mrs Richardson said.

“By providing students with access to elite sports equipment, training facilities and coaching, the project not only improves athletic performance but also fosters a sense of pride and unity within the community.”

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.