By MATT NICHOLLS
SUPPORTERS of education in the Hastings were treated to a special cocktail party at the Port Macquarie TAFE Graduates Restaurant last week.
More than 30 local organisations were recognised for their generosity and support to youth in the region via the Hastings Education Fund.
The gold sponsors were provided with first-hand experience of where their funding could lead, as TAFE Hospitality and Commercial Cookery students catered for and looked after the guests.
The Hastings Education Fund is the local branch of the Country Education Foundation of Australia and aims to assist regional and rural students overcome many challenges, such as travel and accommodation costs, which metropolitan students may not encounter.
As guests indulged in cocktails and canapés, chairman Peter Cuskelly thanked each of them for their continued support and encouraged them to talk further with selected grant recipients, to hear how their contributions have personally made a difference.
One of the guests was Country Education Foundation of Australia chief Sarah Taylor, who travelled from Orange to attend.
“I am very impressed with the number of achievements by the Hastings Education Fund since their inception two and a half years ago,” Ms Taylor said.
“They have assisted students in a range of disciplines, from both university and vocational study, to reach their goals.”
