The Hastings Co-op has partnered with the Hastings Education Fund (HEF) to launch the campaign "Small change for a big change" that encourages locals to donate their spare change when shopping at all Hastings Co-op retail outlets.

All money raised will go towards the HEF; the community-based fund that provides financial assistance and encouragement to local students (aged 17 to 21), as they pursue further education, training or chosen vocation.

The partnership and campaign was launched on Monday at the Wauchope RSL and attracted prominent local businesses, community leaders, established sponsors of the HEF and local students who have been recipients of grants from the HEF.

The Chief Executive Officer for Hastings Co-operative, Allan Gordon, says that the Hastings Co-op welcomed this opportunity to showcase the excellent work of the Hastings Education Fund in raising funds to provide scholarships for local students enrolling in tertiary studies.

"We're committed to the notion of locals supporting locals and this campaign is a clear signalling of that commitment," says Mr Gordon.

The Chairman of the Hastings Education Fund, Peter Cuskelly, expressed the Fund's appreciation for this collaboration with the Hastings Co-op. "The number of students seeking assistance from our fund is increasing each year. With the support of the local community donating their small change, we hope to be able to assist many more local youth to reach their career goals."

The Hastings Education Fund was formed in 2011 and is managed by a committee of local volunteers who rely on donations from individuals, businesses and organisations in our local community.

Over $100,000 has been raised from the local community since 2011.

Grants are not based on academic ability but rather on financial need. They are distributed in the form of reimbursement for computer hardware/software, textbooks, uniforms, equipment, tools of trade, travel, accommodation, etc.

The Patrons are Port Macquarie business identities John and Helen Ross who are delighted with the announcement of the Hastings Co-op partnership.

"This is a very special morning for the Hastings Education Fund," said John.

"Since we have been established we have helped 61 students to higher education and with this announcement of the (Co-op) as a major sponsor we know this will continue".

Students in the Port Macquarie Hastings local government area who have benefited from HEF grants have gone on to study in various fields including Vet Science, Biomedical Science, Justice Studies, Art Education and Primary Studies.

Former recipients of the grants expressed their deep gratitude to the HEF and the positive impact it has had on their lives.

Mikhilea Gursbach was 16 when she fell pregnant during her School certificate year. With a disappointing result and facing the prospect of being a single parent, her hopes of furthering her studies seemed squandered.

A grant from the HEF enabled her to complete a Certificate II in Business Administration and a Certificate III in Aged Care. She is now studying to become a Registered Nurse with a goal to study medicine.

"That's what we are all about," said HEF Chairman Peter Cuskelly.

"Small change for these big changes. "