Mid Western Living

32 | Mid-Western Living WINTER 2025 More than 50 guests attended the first anniversary celebration of CUC Mudgee Region. Students, staff, sponsors and supporters, Mayor Des Kennedy, CUC COO Isabelle Gillespie, our amazing corporate sponsors Glencore Mining, Peabody Energy and ACEN Renewables. There was cake and inspirational speeches by Chairman of the Board Brad Cam, Centre Manager Kim Edwards, Student Ambassador Jess Dryburgh, and outstanding student Thomas Ballard. From the very first day one year ago, the support from the local community has been overwhelming and the CUC has engaged directly with over 50 local businesses, every level of government, and dozens of community groups. Happy Birthday to Country Universities Centre Mudgee Region! Powered by IN THE COMMUNITY The local art community has also captured the vision of the centre, and CUC now regularly hosts art exhibitions of original art from over 40 local and regional artists. Currently, CUC supports over 185 students from every area of the Mudgee Region, studying courses and programs from over 40 different universities and institutions across Australia. In the past year, 18 students have already graduated and are now fulfilling career goals. Thank you everyone who has been part of the extraordinary first year of CUC Mudgee Region!! ___ Learn more about CUC Mudgee Region by visiting: cucmudgeeregion.org.au Each ANZAC Day, the Mudgee Evening Branch of the CWA proudly raises funds for Mudgee Legacy by selling homemade ANZAC biscuits and hand-knitted poppies - a heartfelt tradition that reflects their enduring commitment to community service. Formed in 2004 to suit women juggling busy work and family lives, the Evening Branch continues to bring together members aged from their 40s to late 70s. Meetings are held at 6pm on the second Monday of each month at the CWA Rooms on Market Street, offering a space for connection, discussion and action. Through regular fundraising - including market stalls, tea rooms at the Small Farm Field Days, and room hire - they support a wide range of local causes such as Riding for the Disabled, Can Assist, and local youth programs. Driven by friendship and purpose, the CWA Evening Branch proves that community spirit thrives when women come together with a shared heart for helping others. Supporting Our Community, One Biscuit at a Time In the face of hardship, it’s often the strength of community that makes all the difference. That’s the belief behind 2GETHER WE GIVE, a grassroots working group formed by passionate locals committed to uplifting families in need across the Mid-Western Region. From unexpected tragedies to urgent medical support, the group’s mission is to raise readily available funds so that help is there when it’s needed most - without the scramble. Though still in its early stages, the group has already begun making an impact. They recently partnered with the Gulgong Terriers, running the gate at two home games and hosting a local firewood raffle, with proceeds helping kickstart their fundraising efforts. The support from the community has been humbling, and already, 2GETHER WE GIVE has been able to assist a local family facing sudden tragedy - a powerful reminder of why their work matters. With a vision for inclusive, ongoing fundraising events catering to all ages, the group is planning its first major event in Gulgong on Saturday 7th June 2025. It’s the beginning of what promises to be a strong and compassionate presence in our region - driven by locals, for locals. Keep an eye out for future events and opportunities to get involved. Gulgong Hosts First Big Event for 2GETHER WE GIVE

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