Hailing from the Shoalhaven in NSW to the Clare Valley in SA, and Central Australia in the Northern Territory, we are excited to announce the Audi Foundation – Country Education Foundation of Australia (CEF) scholarship recipients for 2023.
11 x regional students will receive much needed financial support to undertake STEM related study with each scholarship worth $5,000.
This year's recipients are:
| Ilona Gray, Shoalhaven Education Fund - University of New South Wales, B of Psychology (Honours) |
| Clive Wales, Shoalhaven Education Fund - University of Wollongong, B of Engineering/B Computer Science |
| Archie Skinner, Shoalhaven Education Fund - Griffith University, B of Engineering (Honours)/B of Industrial Design |
| Cameron Melton, CEF Cowra - Macquarie University, B of Cyber Security |
| Zachary Olbourne, CEF Cowra - University of Technology Sydney, B of Engineering |
| Khush Patel, CEF Griffith - University of New South Wales, B Mechanical Engineering (Honours) |
| Georgia Ditchfield, Coonamble & District Education Foundation – University of New England, B of Rural Science |
| John Bunter, CEF Gilgandra - University of Queensland, B of Biomedical Science |
| Annabelle Hudson, CEF Young - University of New South Wales, B of Psychology (Honours) |
| Amy Shearer, CEF Central Australia - Flinders University, B of Midwifery |
| Riley Hayes-Revitt, WWW Clare Valley - University of Adelaide, B of Science (Animal Behaviour) |
Scholarship recipient Georgia Ditchfield from Coonamble is studying a Bachelor of Rural Science at the University of New England, and explains what the support means for her: "I am grateful to the Audi Foundation and Country Education Foundation for their support and contributions. Their investment in my education is invaluable, and I am committed to making the most of this opportunity to fulfil my potential."
CEF Chief Executive Officer Juliet Petersen says the seven-year partnership with Audi Foundation has provided 48 scholarships, including the 2023 cohort, to regional youth needing assistance to pursue post-school education. "Audi Foundation's commitment to the education of our youth and regional communities has a profound impact on the CEF network, and we are grateful for their continued support and belief in our mission," said Mrs Petersen.
Jeff Mannering, Chairman of Audi Foundation, said it was important to provide ongoing support for students in rural and regional communities, acknowledging the widespread challenges recent years have produced. "The Audi Foundation is committed to supporting organisations that work to improve educational outcomes of students facing disadvantage and other barriers to learning. Our partnership with CEF provides students with the opportunity to create brighter futures, nurturing future scholars in becoming scientists, teachers, engineers and artists to drive progress in Australia," said Mr Mannering.
