New Country Education Foundation of Australia Board member, Jono Forrest.
The Board of Country Education Foundation of Australia (CEF) has welcomed its newest member, with former CEF Snowy Monaro local foundation volunteer and committee member Jono Forrest coming on board as a Director.
Mr Forrest has had a long association with CEF, having served on the committee of CEF Snowy Monaro from 2005 until 2019. He also completed work for the Foundation as an accountant at Boyce Chartered Accountants, who have been a longstanding partner and service provider for CEF.
He helped guide the Foundation in its early years through taxation and organisational policy, which, according to CEF Chairman Nick Burton Taylor, AM, has positioned the foundation strongly over its 30 years of operation.
Mr Forrest said he decided to join the CEF Board after having witnessed the great work of the organisation while serving on the committee of CEF Snowy Monaro.
I experienced the opportunity of helping students with their own journeys and can continue that passion through my involvement with the CEF Board.
– New CEF Board member, Jono Forrest
"I was on the committee of CEF Snowy Monaro for 14 years and was always inspired by the stories of the applicants and the significant difference that assistance from CEF could provide. I also enjoyed the opportunities to network with other local foundations, the CEF Board and CEF staff."
Mr Burton Taylor said it was a massive coup for CEF to have the experience of Mr Forrest to bring to the table on its Board.
Jono's professional experience is a welcome addition to the board and the balance of additional skills that he brings with him allows us to embark on the ambitious strategic plans that we have in place for the coming years.
– CEF Chairman, Nick Burton Taylor AM
Mr Forrest, who lives in Cooma, first volunteered for CEF in 2005, when he was invited to join the committee of CEF Snowy Monaro by friends.
Through his work on the board, he hopes to achieve continued growth and success of CEF in the communities it serves.
"I'm passionate about helping young people in regional areas with their pursuits to further their education and careers," he said.
"From the trades to university degrees there are challenges to accessing educational opportunities compared with their metropolitan counterparts. The assistance from CEF can help put them on the same playing field."
Mr Forrest grew up in Mount Pleasant, SA, but has called Cooma and the Snowy Monaro region home since 1996.
New Country Education Foundation of Australia board member, Jono Forrest.
He worked in agriculture at the start of his career before attending university then working as an accountant for the next 27 years. He has recently returned to agriculture to work as the General Manager for Mulloon Consulting, where he is focusing on landscape rehydration.
