Narrabri Education Foundation (NEF) committee member Wayne Madden told a gathered crowd last Thursday: “What if the cure for cancer is trapped inside the mind of someone who can’t afford an education?”
It’s the type of sentiment that led to the establishment of the NEF - which supports local youth to help them achieve their post high school education, training and vocation aspirations.
Last Thursday at the Visitor Information Centre, this year’s list of receipients was announced, sharing in $30,000 worth of grants.
“I believe it is the function of the NEF to ensure that if that mind belongs to a Narrabri student then that student gets the opportunity to be educated,” said Mr Madden.
“Whether the assistance is a small grant that allows an apprentice to buy fuel to get to a TAFE course, or a university student to buy textbooks or pay for accommodation, it all ensures Narrabri students are not
disadvantaged due to our geographical location.
Parkes MP Mark Coulton was the special guest for the grant announcements.
A total of 17 students shared in the $30,000, which is provided by donations from Narrabri residents and businesses.
Former NEF recipient Todd Nichols told the group that his grant in 2012 greatly assisted with some of his university costs.
“It helped towards my college accommodation and textbooks, and there are always unforeseen
costs,” he said.
“It’s definitely a commendable thing to have in such a town when higher education is so far
away.”
Parkes MP Mark Coulton said the NEF helped minimise the burden of tertiary education, which is particularly expensive for rural students who have to live away from
home.
“I know the assistance is greatly appreciated, I understand the pressure of young people living away,” he said.
“Well done to the Narrabri community for seeing the benefit of donating to such a foundation and keeping it going, it’s so important that young people get that chance.”
The recipients are also provided with a sense of encouragement from the broader community.
“They have said how important it was to have the community behind them,” said NEF committee chair Helen Dugdale.