For many young people growing up in regional Australia, the decision to leave home to continue their education is a big one - and expensive!

The Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund provides an opportunity for young people from the Gunnedah Shire to apply for funding to help contribute towards the costs of studying a Certificate IV or higher in their chosen field.

Since the Fund started 14 years ago, over $300,000 has been raised and distributed to local youth with more than 332 scholarships awarded.

Scholarships cover all disciplines including but not limited to agriculture, accounting, allied health, animal science, law, architecture, nursing, medicine, arts/theatre, engineering, education, social work and trade based qualifications.

Bonnie's Story

Bachelor of Business and Bachelor of Interior Design.

“The Community Scholarship has been an incredible help to me with the extra expenses that my Interior Design degree requires such as software and supplies".

“It’s given me peace of mind that when I need to spend money on new equipment or software to complete an assessment, I am able to do it without having to change my design concepts to fit in with my tight budget".

"It gives me the freedom to be as creative as I want to be, which is an important part of design".

The scholarship is funded in partnership with local businesses and individuals, and we hope to raise a total of $26,000 in 2018.