TUC chief executive Donna Ballard thanked the Rotary club for kick-starting the initiative.

"We know that some of our students will struggle financially," Mrs Ballard said.

"Remote learning usually requires a certain number of weeks of travelling to a remote campus with the associated costs.

"Textbooks are not cheap and we will be providing mentoring and motivational speakers to support students on their journey.

"The Rotary Scholarship Fund has been established so that community minded businesses and individuals can make a tax-deductible donation via our website which we will direct to students most in need. Contributions large and small would be most welcome."

TUC board member and scholarship fund project manager Maurie Stack said the fund was registered with the Rotary Australia Benevolent Society.

"Our Rotary club is delighted to be supporting the universities campus. Research shows that tertiary education improves job prospects and earning potential, which is great for individuals and great for our local economy," Mr Stack said.

He said the community backed the Rotary club in the 2019-2020 bushfire appeal and hoped they would do the same for the TUC students.

Businesses can donate to the fund via www.tareeuni.org.au/rotary-club-of-taree-on-manning.

For further information on the Rotary Scholarships Fund or general inquiries please call 1300 169 990 or visit the TUC website https://www.tareeuni.org.au/

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