The organisation provides financial help to selected school leavers who live or attend school in the Cootamundra Shire so they can commence their careers with relative ease.

Among guests, dignitaries and sponsors was guest speaker Craig Thorburn.

On the invitation dispatched to guests, the CDCEF used creativity to introduce Mr Thorburn.

“If you fancy changing your investment focus from fat lambs to, say, 

coffee, Craig’s remarks might be very relevant.”

True to the invitation, Mr Thorburn’s remarks were relevant and helpful to all who attended.

He spoke about the five fundamental things he considers when investing - the who, what, where, why and how.

Guests listened intently through his speech, and after a round of applause many hands were raised to capitalise on his wisdom during question and answer time.

Also speaking on Friday night was the CEO of the Country Education Foundation of Australia, Sarah Taylor, Cootamundra Shire Councillor Paul Braybooks and the Mayor of Cootamundra Jim Slattery.

CDCEF committee member Cr Braybrooks made it clear that all donations to the fund are handled with care.

“The fund handles money carefully, only providing finance upon receipt,” he said.

The CEO of the Country Education Foundation of Australia Sarah Taylor had nothing but praise for Cootamundra’s contingent.

“The local fund has gone from strength to strength,” she said.

“Cootamundra secretary David Hain is diligent, committed, and incredibly thorough.”

About the organisation

THE Cootamundra and District Country Education Fund (CDCEF) was established to provide financial assistance and support for local youth in their transition to the workplace. 

The organisation recognises that once a rural student has completed their secondary education, the cost of 

pursuing career goals is often much greater than it is for their metropolitan counterparts.

Sometimes these costs are prohibitive, and thus, support is provided to young people who are driven to achieve their education, training and vocational aspirations. 

By accepting donations from local residents and businesses, the organisation can provide financial grants to students who need an extra helping hand. 

With this in mind, the CDCEF fundraises on a regular basis.

Last year the fund provided $13,500 to successful applicants.

Selection is not focused on academic brilliance but applicants must show they have a realistic goal for their future and have demonstrated a commitment to achieving their goal.

None of the money raised by the CDCEF is provided by the government.

It’s the organisation’s way of saying “we believe in you and want to support your goals”.

GM Scott, Ron Loiterton Real Estate and Cootamundra Ex-Services and Citizens Club are generous supporters of the fund.

Those interested in sponsorship are welcome to contact the secretary on 0419 277 907.

Biography - Craig Thorburn

MR Thorburn grew up in Cootamundra and graduated from Cootamundra High School in 1987.

For his tertiary studies he went to the Australian National University in Canberra, and graduated with a double degree in commerce and economics.

In 2007 Mr Thorburn began working for The Australian Government Future Fund.

This followed postgraduate studies and 13 years with the Federal Department of Treasury. 

As a team leader with the Future Fund his purpose has been to establish and manage a fund that meets the future superannuation obligations of the commonwealth to its employees. 

His team finds suitable investments in foreign nations such as Brazil, Indonesia, India and China.

The Future Fund now has assets of about $100 billion, and Mr Thorburn is responsible for approximately one sixth of these assets.