Over 90 family, friends and long-time supporters attended to witness the 22 recipients accept their scholarships presented by David Cargill, the original Chair who established the BDEF. Rob Martin has also been on the committee since inception. The guest speaker was Lyn Vicary, the Career Support Manager for ‘Dress For Success’. Lyn provided our recipients with valuable advice and guidelines to help them prepare for future job interviews and employment.

In the last ten years 101 individuals have received grants to assist them in furthering their education. Surprisingly there have been 50 males and 51 females. Our statistics show:

*67% have completed their studies, 25% are still studying, 6% did not complete their studies and 2% sadly are deceased.

*61% completed degrees, 5% completed diplomas, 34% completed certificates (trade, apprenticeships and traineeships); demonstrating our support of all forms of further education.

21% of recipients have returned to Braidwood, reinvesting their qualifications back into our community.

Some recipients have been high achievers, receiving Deans Award for Academic Excellence, Apprentice of the Year, represented the state in Worldskills Nationals,  RAS Scholarships, Sydney Rotary Scholarships and this year Helen De Costa, a 2nd time recipient, has received the 2015 Australia Day Award for Braidwood Young Citizen of the Year. The list goes on…

The Braidwood and District Education Foundation has been able to help recipients further their education, pursue their dreams and achieve their goals, purely because of the continued support of very generous donors. Recipients have expressed their gratitude that their community believes in their further education and offers them support when they need it most- Allowing them to ‘Reach for their Stars!’