Director’s statement

Generating hope in challenging times

2020 threw up significant challenges for most people and our students were certainly no exception. A month or so into the university year, our on-campus students had to return home and adapt to studying independently, while many online students faced their own challenges juggling study with working from home and home schooling their children. And all this coming so soon after one of the worst bushfire seasons in our history. Some students lost their homes and possessions to the fires while others were unable to support their study as people were stood down and casual jobs ceased due to COVID-19. This led to a myriad of other social pressures and mental health issues that always escalate in difficult times.

As a Foundation we were acutely aware of the need for additional support, and with your generosity we were once again able to help many of those in need. Despite many of our donors facing issues of their own, we managed to retain almost all of our existing scholarships and were able to add another twenty-seven, valued at $276,000. We cannot thank you enough for this.

We also saw donors support other areas of need, including research and enhancing our academic programs. We received an incredible donation of $400,000 from Chris and Gina Grubb to establish a fund to support research into the distribution and habitats of wetlands birds, to better ensure the natural biodiversity they need to thrive.

In another act of wonderful generosity Alf Salter gifted $100,000 to kick-start a major project to embed First Nations agricultural practices into our agriculture degrees and establish scholarships for our First Nations students in this field. I will remember 2020 as the year that everyone across our communities stepped up to help: through the generosity of some of our local councils we raised more than $150,000 in scholarships for our Graduate Certificate in Community Leadership and Resilience; as a Foundation we were able to establish new funds to assist students facing financial difficulty following the national bushfires and the outbreak of COVID-19; our staff raised more than $100,000 through staff giving and another $68,000 through the Wagga Wagga Staff Social Club; and through our alumni body we raised more than $58,550 for scholarships and for our Veterinary Clinic, which provided care for horses injured in the bushfires. Not only did people donate generously in the moment, many have made plans for future gifts through our bequest program. See page 26 for full details of Foundation gifts.

We know that challenging times bring out the very best in people and we were certainly witness to that in 2020. I hope this report does justice to the impact you have had collectively, as supporters of our Foundation and as always, I thank you for your ongoing generosity.

Sarah Ansell Director, Advancement Office CEO, Charles Sturt Foundation Trust