The fund offers financial support to help Shoalhaven students and apprentices achieve their education dreams.

The successful recipients from 2014 received their money on Thursday night at a function attended by 70 people.

Among the recipients was Isaac Luntungan from Nowra who received the inaugural Scott Morrison Scholarship, established after the death of the popular North Nowra man in a road accident. 

According to fund secretary Sophie Ray, Mr Luntungan was selected because he embodied many of the qualities of the late Scott Morrison.

“Hard work, determination and giving back to the community, that is what Scott was about and Isaac was the person with those qualities who caught our attention,” Mrs Ray said.

Now in its third year, the fund continues to grow, having first raised $7000,  $10,000 the following year and $19,000 last year with people and companies already committing support in 2015.

Brenda Morrison said she was pleased the scholarship would reflect her late husband’s generous nature.

“After the accident people wanted to donate money to me and the girls, but it just wasn’t me taking money off people,” Mrs Morrison said. 

“We are friends with Sophie Ray and knew about her involvement with the Shoalhaven Education Fund and thought that was a good place to direct that money.

“I met Isaac on Thursday and he is a really genuine and nice guy. I’m really glad he got the scholarship,” Mrs Morrison said.

Committee chairperson Linda Marquis said the recipients were interesting and inspiring.

She said students from nursing, science, psychology, dance, film and theatre were among those supported by the fund.

“Despite the hardships these youth have faced they all have a goal to become better educated,” she said.

“The youth are so talented and committed, they deserve all the help they get.”

Ms Marquis said the interview panel was impressed by the level of commitment shown by those who applied.

“The sad part is we are only scratching the surface, we’re only seeing the youth who are prepared to put themselves on the line,” she said.

“This is not a free handout – they’ve got to prove themselves.”

To become a sponsor or to apply for a grant, visit www.cef.

org.au/shoalhaven.