This is the first time the scholarship committee has considered crowdfunding as a source of funds, and the members are excited to kick-start the online campaign, just in time for Christmas. 

The fund helps support local students in their quest to further their education at university, TAFE or in a trade requiring a Certificate IV or higher.

“For many young people growing up in regional Australia, the decision to leave home to continue their education is a big one - and expensive,” scholarship fund chair Gae Swain said.

“The idea of crowdfunding is new to us, but as a committee we are keen to explore innovative ways to raise as much money as we possibly can so that more scholarships can be awarded and more local students afforded the opportunity to chase their dreams.

“I absolutely love the idea of the community banding together for a great cause and believe our crowdfunding campaign provides a great opportunity for people to make a donation, big or small, and to be involved in a social cause that changes young lives at a grassroots level.

“It has given us the ability to open the fundraising up to anyone in the community who would like to contribute.”

More than $300,000 has been raised and distributed to local youth since the fund was formed 14 years ago. In that time, more than 332 scholarships have been awarded, with many students returning to regional Australia to work and live.  

Donations of any value are welcome and can be made on the Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund crowdfunding page via https://www.mycause.com.au/page/167438/2018-gunnedah-community-scholarship-fund​​