A $1000 scholarship partnership with the South Eastern Livestock Exchange (SELX) was established as part of SELX’s first birthday celebration on August 17.

The scholarship, which is the first between CEF and SELX, will be awarded annually to a student studying an agricultural discipline or a student who is rurally located.

Nic Carmody, chairman of Yass District CEF, welcomed the initiative.

“Our partnership with SELX is a worthwhile pursuit. It will go a long way to advancing the careers of not only the students but also the overall community,” Mr Carmody said.

Similarly, CEF chairman Nick Burton Taylor said the program was “an investment in the youth of our region” and the region’s future.

“It is a wonderfully generous expression of faith in the future,” Mr Burton Taylor said.

As well as Yass, CEF branches in Boorowa, Braidwood, Cootamundra, Goulburn, Harden, Monaro and Young will receive this annual scholarship.

Rowena Abbey, SELX chairman and Yass Valley mayor, said the scholarships are important opportunities.

“Providing rurally located students with opportunities for study is so important and we see this as the best way for us to give back to our community,” she said.

Students interested in applying for financial support from CEF are encouraged to visit www.cef.org.au. Applications currently open.

The scholarship recipient for Yass will be announced in October or November 2017.