Cowra’s own Lilly Smith has been named one of the first recipients of the James N. Kirby Foundation, Country Education Foundation (CEF) VET Scholarship.

Ms Smith describes the achievement as both “a privilege” and “a huge relief” as she continues to balance the demanding workload of professional dance training with everyday living costs far from home.

The announcement, which coincided with National Skills Week 2025, recognises seven students from across NSW, Victoria and South Australia who are undertaking vocational education and training in high-demand fields.

Each scholarship is valued at $3,000 and is designed to support regional and rural students who often face greater barriers than their city counterparts when it comes to further education.

For Ms Smith, dance has always been more than just an interest.

“I’ve been dancing since I was three years old, so it’s always been a special place in my heart,” she said.

“I’ve done so many different sports as well, but dance was the one I decided to choose.

“Training at the high level that I’m participating in now will enable me to take the professional dancing world further,” Ms Smith said.

Currently undertaking an Advanced Diploma of Professional Dance (Elite Performance), Ms Smith spends up to 35 hours a week in training while also holding down work commitments to help fund her education and living costs.

She admitted that the workload has been tough to manage since relocating away from home.

“It’s been hard, moving so far away from my family and dancing such long hours, then trying to work on top of that,” she said.

“It’s very tiring.

“So to be able to receive extra support from the foundation really, really helped.

“I felt very privileged and grateful in that sense,” Ms Smith said.

The scholarships were launched to highlight the critical role of VET in addressing national skills shortages, particularly in regional Australia.

According to the Skills Priority List, technical and trade roles are among the most in-demand, with more than 90 per cent of future jobs expected to require a post-school qualification.

Of those, nearly half are expected to be filled by students who come through the VET pathway.

CEF Cowra Secretary Michael Gallagher said the support was about more than just helping individuals.

“Skills-based education is the backbone of thriving regional economies,” Mr Gallagher said.

“By supporting students like Lillian, we’re not just investing in their future, but in the future of regional communities.”

Ms Smith said she believes these kinds of scholarships are especially important for country students.

“I think because we don’t access as many things as people do in the city, support like this really enables rural students to be able to do these sorts of things,” she said.

“Coming from a small country town, money just doesn’t come easily.

“My parents are paying for tuition, and then I have to cover a lot of other costs myself.

“So I’ve really had to work for it.”

“That’s why I’m so grateful for this support, it gives me the chance to keep going,” Ms Smith said.

She added that the assistance allows her to focus on progressing within the professional dance industry rather than worrying constantly about finances.

“The scholarship will take a lot of financial pressure off, especially living so far away from home," she said.

“It will give me the opportunity to keep pushing forward and take on new opportunities I wouldn’t have been able to otherwise."

The James N. Kirby–CEF VET scholarships are part of a broader effort to draw attention to the value of vocational education.

With recipients studying in areas ranging from agricultural mechanics to animal studies, the program aims to demonstrate that skilled trades and performance-based disciplines alike are essential to Australia’s workforce.

As National Skills Week continues to spotlight the importance of VET in tackling workforce shortages, CEF is urging students aged 16–25 who are pursuing apprenticeships, traineeships or other VET pathways in 2026 to apply for financial support.

Local grants through CEF Cowra can help cover costs such as textbooks, training resources, fuel and tools.

Applications close on September 30.

For Ms Smith, the scholarship represents much more than financial assistance, it’s a recognition of her determination to pursue a passion that began at the age of three.

“I’m just really grateful,” she said.

“It’s been hard at times, but this scholarship makes me feel supported, and it’s giving me the chance to keep going with what I love most.”