The HEF is supporting students completing a wide variety of courses at local, metropolitan and inter-state universities.

Students studying carpentry, captive animal and diesel mechanic trades were among those who also received grants.

Sponsors of the Hastings Education Fund were delighted to meet the 33 new grant recipients at a presentation event held at Newman Senior Technical College.

“They are an impressive group of school leavers from the Hastings local government area with representatives from every government and non-government school in the area,” said new HEF chairman Jim O’Brien.

This year the Hastings Education Fund will allocate over $50,000 to successful students. 

Since 2011, the number of scholarship recipients has grown to 166.

Gold sponsors contribute $1,000 per year and there are also many other sponsors who contribute smaller amounts raised during social events such as a monthly ‘coffee date’ or bowls game.

The success of the fund, as part of the Country Education Foundation, to support students in regional areas gain equitable access to further education and training, is also attributable to the degree of mentoring and pastoral care extended to the recipients.

“This can be even more valuable than the financial support in some cases,” says the coordinator of student selection, Dr Julie McLeod, a retired university lecturer.

“The Hastings Education Fund fully supports the students to ‘dream, believe and achieve’ and this support complements that given by family members, friends and the community through their donations and sponsorships.

“The recipients this year, like many before are amazing young adults, with their life’s journey ahead of them and as HEF committee members, we are always truly inspired by their potential.”