Hilary Matchett

Belief in the Bush: Empowering Regional Youth Through Education

Hilary Matchett grew up with a guiding principle her parents often repeated: education is the one thing no one can take away from you. That belief became the foundation for her life – shaping her studies, her career, and her mission to lift regional youth through education as Head of Engagement, Media and Impact at the Country Education Foundation of Australia (CEF).

Raised on a 5,500-acre mixed farming property in Central Western NSW, Hilary’s childhood was grounded in the values of hard work, resilience, and community. Summers weren’t spent at shopping centres or ski resorts; they were spent in dusty sheep yards under a blazing sun. Those experiences taught her resourcefulness, teamwork, and the importance of finishing what you start – even when conditions are tough.

When Hilary finished high school in 2009, uncertainty loomed in the wake of the global financial crisis. Guided by her natural ability to connect with people and her mother’s encouragement, she enrolled in Charles Sturt University’s Bachelor of Communication. She went on to complete three degrees at CSU, including a Master of Commerce in corporate communication.

“Charles Sturt’s ethos of creating a world worth living in really resonated with me,” Hilary says. “It wasn’t just about building a career – it was about using what you learn to make a difference. When you’re blessed with an education, the greatest thing you can do is lift others.”

That belief led Hilary to CEF, a national organisation dedicated to helping rural and regional youth access education and career opportunities. Her first connection came through her mother’s involvement in the local Grenfell foundation, where Hilary saw firsthand the ripple effect of support: financial assistance paired with belief in a young person’s potential.

When a national role at CEF opened, everything clicked – her education, experience, and passion for regional communities aligned perfectly. Today, Hilary drives partnerships and engagement to amplify CEF’s impact, including a major collaboration with Charles Sturt University. Together, they’ve committed $400,000 over three years to support CEF students enrolled at CSU, helping with study and living costs. It’s a practical expression of shared values.

“CEF’s mission aligns perfectly with CSU’s,” Hilary says. “Both organisations believe where you live shouldn’t limit your opportunities. Education changes lives, families, and communities – and in regional areas, that means communities can thrive well into the future.”

For Hilary, the work is deeply personal. Every success story – from a law graduate running a firm in Yass to a mechanic building a business in Grenfell – reinforces the power of education and community support. Through scholarships, mentoring, and encouragement, CEF removes barriers like financial strain, distance, and self-doubt.

“There’s so much talent and strength in regional communities,” Hilary says. “I want every young person – whether they’re from Cunnamulla, Cootamundra, or the Pilbara – to know they can achieve their goals. It might take support, and it won’t always be easy, but they should have every confidence in themselves and their ideas.”

Hilary’s journey reflects the values she grew up with – hard work, resilience, and community – and how they align with CSU’s vision and CEF’s mission. From the sheep yards to shaping futures, her story is proof that education doesn’t just change lives; it strengthens the very fabric of regional Australia.