Support rural and regional youth to look forward to the future this EOFY

Growing up in rural and regional Australia has many advantages. Services are often closer together, reducing time spent in transit; housing is generally more affordable than in major cities; and there is a strong sense of community that can be harder to find in more dispersed, metropolitan areas. 

However, it is also well known that access to some services, such as universities and various vocational educational training pathways is generally more limited. 

This end of financial year, why not donate to the Country Education Foundation (CEF) to help rural and regional students who have the aspiration and determination to pursue careers that often fill vital skills gaps, but for whom the cost of doing so may be prohibitive, particularly if they must move away from home?  

Take Matthew Moorse, a fourth-year Bachelor of Agricultural Science student currently studying at Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga, almost 300km away from home. This educational pathway almost didn’t happen for him. This is because growing up in Mathoura, a small town roughly 30 minutes from Deniliquin, NSW, meant limited options for further education, without undertaking a costly journey.

For most of his high school days, Matthew was considering a trade, until a talk from his CEF local foundation helped him to realise that pursuing studies in agriculture was possible. 

Matthew grew up surrounded by farming and was even saving up for a ute by raising and selling poddy calves.

He also took a gap year working on a beef stud, and after receiving financial support through his CEF local foundation, gained the confidence to embark on a university journey.

“Pursuing this course without financial support would have been a lot harder,” said Matthew. “I knew plenty of students who had to rely on family to help cover rent while studying.”

The financial support assisted Matthew to cover costs such as accommodation and other education-related expenses. 

“I am very grateful to CEF for all the support I have received over the years,” Matthew said. 

Now in his final year, he is proud to be completing a course he has loved and is also representing CEF as an ambassador.

CEF Chief Executive Officer Wendy Mason said the foundation’s work has far-reaching effects on students and communities for years to come. 

“79% of our 2025 CEF students would not have been able to pursue their chosen course without the support of CEF, and 82% left home to do so,” Ms Mason said. 

“As it happens, 97% are considering returning to rural and regional communities, bringing vital skills back to areas that are often experiencing shortages.” 

Since 1993, CEF has awarded more than 9,900 individual grants and scholarships to rural and regional youth. Over $23 million in direct financial support has been provided thanks to the passion of volunteers and belief of donors, partners and supporters.

Increase your impact this End of Financial Year

This End of Financial Year (EOFY), you have a powerful opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of rural and regional students. Rising living costs are putting regional youth under even more pressure – but your support can change that. Thanks to a generous donor, donations to the Country Education Foundation by June 30, 2026, will be matched*.

This means your EOFY gift will go twice as far to help young regional Australians pursue education and training, no matter where they live.

 Help rural and regional students look forward to the future this EOFY by donating here.

*Terms and conditions apply.