The fellowship was launched to support individuals passionate about making a difference in rural and regional Australia through the power of education.
One recipient will receive up to $50,000 in funding, mentorship and networking opportunities to turn their bold ideas into lasting change.
The proposed project must include an education element, whether through communities, workplaces, youth, students or other educational contexts to create meaningful change in regional and rural communities.
As applications open for the 2026 fellowship, inaugural recipient Annabelle Hudson, from Young in NSW, has reflected on the significant progress made in delivering her initiative True North.
True North is a practical, student-centred program designed to recognise students’ strengths, expand their sense of possibility and approach future education and career decisions with greater clarity and confidence.
Ms Hudson is developing the program to address a gap she observed among regional students – not a lack of talent or ambition, but unequal access to exposure, tailored guidance and opportunities to explore what might suit them.
“I’ve spent time listening to students and educators in rural and regional communities and shaping the program around what they have shared to genuinely reflect their experiences, aspirations and challenges,” Ms Hudson said.
“What has stood out most is just how much potential exists when young people are given the space and support to recognise their strengths.
“Many students already have the capability to achieve things – what they often need is greater self-belief and clearer pathways.
“True North is about helping them see what’s possible and giving them practical steps to move forward with confidence.”
Country Education Foundation chief executive Wendy Mason said the fellowship’s first year demonstrated the power of backing individuals with bold ideas and strong community purpose.
Ms Mason encouraged Australians from diverse professional backgrounds to apply and submit a project that included an education element.
“This fellowship is about investing in people with the drive to create practical solutions to real challenges in country communities,” she said.
“It could be someone in agriculture, education, health, science, technology, the arts or other — what matters most is a compelling idea and the commitment to turn that idea into lasting impact, through an education element.”
Foundation chair Nick Burton Taylor said the fellowship continued to honour former Australian deputy prime minister Tim Fischer’s belief in the transformative power of education and opportunity.
“Tim believed deeply in the potential of people from regional Australia,” Mr Burton Taylor said.
“He understood that talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not always equal.
“This fellowship continues his legacy by helping bridge that gap and supporting people determined to create positive change.”
Applications close on August 24.
For more information, visit cef.org.au/Programs/tim-fischer-fellowship
