The search is on across the nation for the first recipient of the inaugural Tim Fischer Fellowship.

Country Education Foundation of Australia (CEF) has announced a $50,000 annual funding grant for an Australian who has the passion, skills and career prospects to create real change in regional and rural communities.

As one of our nation’s most respected former politicians and a champion of the bush, the fellowship recognises the former Deputy Prime Minister’s spirit, for it was Tim Fischer's honesty, integrity and selflessness that guided his own early education, before serving his country in the Vietnam War, and later public roles that saw him rise to prominence not just in the halls of Parliament House but to the holy cobble stones of the Vatican in Rome.

Open to anyone over 18 years, the fellowship is targeting people with dedication and potential to be curious, to explore new ideas and insights, and to put these ideas into practice - talented changemakers who are focused on the impact they can make over the course of a year outside of the big cities.

Chief executive officer of CEF Wendy Mason said the funding may be applied towards professional development, research activities, travel related to the fellowship purpose, accommodation, or other agreed-upon expenses. One recipient will be selected each year and receive funding of up to $50,000.

“This is an investment in someone who themselves is invested in a brighter future for regional and rural communities – it could be a bright scientist, an artist, or a critical thinker who sees an innovative way to give communities a lift,” Ms Mason said.

The successful applicant will be supported throughout the year by a network of mentors, connections, and opportunities, while also being an ambassador for CEF as they share their Fellowship journey with others at speaking engagements and events.

Applications are open and close on 17 August.

For more information go to https://cef.org.au/Programs/tim-fischer-fellowship/.