The Country Education Foundation (CEF) has launched a nationwide search for the inaugural recipient of the Tim Fischer Fellowship - a $50,000 annual grant designed to empower an individual with the passion and potential to create lasting impact in regional and rural communities, with applications now open.
Recently announced, the Fellowship honours the legacy of Tim Fischer AC, one of Australia’s most respected political leaders and an enduring champion of the bush.
The former Deputy Prime Minister’s life reflected honesty, integrity and selflessness, from his early education in Boree Creek and Melbourne to his service in the Vietnam War and later prominence on both the national and international stage.
Open to all Australians aged 18 and over, the Fellowship seeks curious, driven individuals committed to exploring new ideas and putting them into practice beyond the city limits.
It is aimed at those with the skills and vision to make a measurable difference to life in the regions.
Country Education Foundation CEO, Wendy Mason, believes “this is an investment in someone who themselves is invested in a brighter future for regional and rural communities", Ms Mason said.
"It could be a bright scientist, an artist, or a critical thinker who sees an innovative way to give communities a lift.
"The Fellowship is not about paying someone a short-term wage, it’s a springboard to creating lasting impact to be shared by others,” Ms Mason said.
The funding up to $50,000 may support professional development, research activities, travel, accommodation, or other expenses aligned with the Fellowship purpose.
Recipients will also benefit from a year-long program of mentorship, industry connections and opportunities, while serving as an ambassador for CEF at events and speaking engagements.
Born in Lockhart, NSW, Tim Fischer embodied the principle of seizing opportunity.
From his education in a small Riverina school to the corridors of Parliament House and even the Vatican cobblestones, Mr Fischer never lost sight of his roots or the challenges faced by those living outside major cities.
“Tim was our first patron, whose deep-rooted values aligned with our mission to promote and enable equal access to further education and career opportunities for rural and regional youth across Australia,” Ms Mason said.
“Through its work, the CEF sees productive, educated minds blossom each year in people who may not have had this growth opportunity in their life.
"This Fellowship is about finding a new offshoot to add to the productivity and impact of the Foundation in a meaningful way.”
Mr Fischer’s wife Judy Brewer said the Fellowship is a great honour for her late husband, who passed away in 2019, and a lasting legacy of a man devoted to the education of young people, particularly in country areas.
“Tim always had big dreams and ambitions, and he was living proof that with a little headstart, a help up and determination you can achieve anything, no matter where you’re from.
"Tim never lost sight that many regional communities face challenges that bigger cities don’t, so this is a way to find some new solutions to those barriers,” Ms Brewer said.
Applications are now open and will close August 17. For more details or to apply, visit cef.org.au/programs/tim-fischer-fellowship.