About Us

THE CEF FAMILY

CEF Coolah is proudly one of 44 local foundations that make up the Country Education Foundation of Australia network.

Local foundations engage in fundraising to provide local grants and scholarships to youth in their areas. This financial support can range from $500 to $5,000 per student, per year and helps buy textbooks and laptops for uni students, purchase tools and equipment for apprentices and assists rural and regional youth to relocate to take up career opportunities.

CEF’s national office, based in Orange, NSW, provides financial support, training and resources to this family of local foundations through seed funding, student support resources, volunteer resources, governance and compliance advice, accounting, technology, insurances, event management and advocacy.

CEF also partners with tertiary institutions and corporate and philanthropic organisations across the country to provide additional funding and support to CEF local grant and scholarship recipients.

CEF Australia has tax deductibility 1 status (DGR1), so all donations over $2 are fully tax deductible.

THE CEF FAMILY

Doug Arnott

Chair

I am a mixed livestock producer in Coolah married to Kirsty with 3 children. I believe that CEF is a great organisation for Coolah in that is very much aimed at local Coolah people helping and backing our youth to further their education. There is no doubt education is transformative for not only the individual undertaking it but also for their family and community as well.

Kim Holland

Secretary and School Liaison

All young people deserve the opportunity to access education to work towards their individual goals. Those who wish to further their learning should be supported by the whole community. Financial barriers can often be a part of the decision-making process when considering study or relocating for a career opportunity. I am hopeful that we will be able to assist in some way in this aspect of a young person's journey.

Shelley Piper

Treasurer

My husband Derek and I and our two sons, have a beef cattle farm in Coolah. I have run a real estate business in Coolah (Piper Real Estate) for many years and we sell houses, farm and do property management. I am the Principal of the business, and I am passionate about our town and hope that the Coolah Branch of CEF can do our very best to assist the youth of Coolah.

Felicity McMaster

Publicity Officer and School Liaison

I am a teacher, wife, mother and partner in a farming business, who is passionate about education and the opportunities it presents. I completed my Educational journey at Coolah Central School, Hurlstone Agricultural High School and Sydney University. I know first-hand the challenges faced by country students who wish to access further education, and I am excited to be part of the inaugural CEF Coolah Branch in our quest to provide support for our local students.