THE community united through golf to raise funds for the Hastings Education Fund (HEF), ensuring it can continue its work supporting local students.
As part of the Country Education Foundation of Australia, HEF helps young people from the Port Macquarie-Hastings area as they move from high school into university, apprenticeships or further training.
Karen Bale, Media and Promotions at HEF, said the group runs on local support from sponsors, donors and volunteers who “understand that helping our young people means investing in the future of the Hastings region.”
“Many former HEF recipients are now doing amazing things in fields like healthcare, education, engineering, science and the arts,” she said.
“It just goes to show what can happen when we believe in our local talent and give them a bit of support.”
Ms Bale said there were 25 teams involved in the fundraising day.
“Currently the money raised is sitting at $5054, but will go higher.”
Since it began, HEF has supported many students to overcome the challenges of regional life, including travel distance, financial strain and limited access to resources.
Its grants cover costs such as accommodation, transport, laptops and textbooks to help students get started after high school.
In 2025, HEF awarded 31 Commencing Grants and 13 Continuing Scholarships, with a total of $174,500 distributed to local students.
This was made possible through the generosity of 85 local sponsors.
HEF continues to look for further support and sponsors.
By Sis HIGGINS
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