CEF is on a mission to help country kids thrive

Wendy Mason, who became the Country Education Foundation of Australia (CEF) Chief Executive Officer late last year, is on a mission to help local communities support their young people transition from school to work or further education.  

“To do that and do that well is not simple,” Ms Mason said.  

“It’s really compelling when these young people know they have a community that believes in them.  

“It’s the financial contribution but also a lot of belief and support and interest in that young person doing well.”  

Ms Mason views the principal partnership between AuctionsPlus and CEF to be a gamechanger for regional youth, their families and communities.   

Since 1993 more than 7000 young people from rural, regional and remote Australia have benefited in more than $15 million in scholarships and grants, thanks to CEF. Over 70% of current CEF students also want to return to a regional area on graduation. 

Ms Mason spent much of her primary school years in a one teacher school in rural NSW, so she knows all too well the challenges that isolated young people face – but also the rewards when they are afforded opportunities.  

She has also spent time working in Sydney and overseas and has been living in Orange, NSW since 2016.  

“I say to people it’s the best thing I’ve ever done, to live, work and thrive regionally. It is a great place to live and I’m very fortunate to work for a business with its office based here.  

“I skip out of bed, I love what we do and love the role.”  

CEF began over 30 years ago and has 46 local foundations across regional Australia.  

“I’m making sure we are building on that legacy of 30 years and supporting our local foundations to do the work that they can do, strengthening our community-based models, and just seeing where there may be other communities interested in taking part.”   

Ms Mason said part of that legacy was that CEF alumni are now sitting on committees and are mentors to the next generation.  

As part of the principal partnership, AuctionsPlus will be hosting the inaugural CEF Charity Auction from Monday, March 11 to Friday, March 15. Lots available include a Polaris Ranger SP 530, impossible to secure at this late date accommodation to Beef, in Rockhampton this May and much more.  

Schools, workplaces and communities are also encouraged to wear their boots for CEF’s first annual Boots Bash on March 15, to raise funds to help rural and regional students give the cost-of-living crisis the boot.