Six years after joining a committee to help support students get to university, Ken Martin has been recognised with an award for his work.
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The Country Education Foundation’s Katie Walker Outstanding Service Award recognises Mr Martin’s dedication and efforts in addressing issues facing rural youth and pursuing their dreams of further education.
Mr Martin is a foundation member and treasurer of CEF’s Coleambally and Darlington Point committee.
The committee raise money to fund grants to help students from the area study at university.
“Ken is involved in all aspects of fundraising including donating raffle prizes, selling raffle tickets, catering for community functions,” CEF committee chairwoman Penny Sheppard said.
“Our most recent fundraiser has been the production of a book/DVD set to celebrate Coleambally’s 50th birthday.
“This book/DVD set, ‘Coleambally Community Conversations’, was compiled over three years and involved committee members interviewing, recording, transcribing and proofing conversations with community members of all ages and experiences.
“Ken was a vital part of the team in bringing this project to fruition and contributed many volunteer hours.”
After fundraising, a selection panel is formed to chose students who receive scholarships.
Mr Martin said his time with CEF had been “truly rewarding” and urged people to get involved.
“It has been a highly rewarding experience and I have been honoured to be a member of our grant selection panel on a number of occasions,” Mr Martin said.
“Considering applications and then being involved in the interview process highlights the talents, ambitions and desires that our young people possess.
“From our little township, the youngest permanent town in NSW, our grant recipients have gone on to become nurses, teachers, a landscape gardener, mechanical engineer, remedial massage therapist, doctor, commercial pilot and one has almost completed her Bachelor of Psychology to highlight just a few.”