Warialda’s Louisa Gilmour has been recognised for her commitment to regional communities, receiving the 2026 Audi Foundation – Country Education Foundation (CEF) Community Alumni Champion Award at NSW Parliament House.
Gilmour, who was also named the 2026 NSW Young Woman at the Royal Easter Show, received the honour at the CEF Luncheon on Friday, 9 October.
The award recognises former CEF-supported students who use their education, knowledge and skills to inspire others and create opportunities in regional communities.
Gilmour was recognised for her work promoting rural and regional Australia through storytelling and the creative arts, helping bridge the gap between country and city communities.
CEF chief executive officer Wendy Mason praised Gilmour’s dedication to sharing regional stories and highlighting the challenges faced by rural communities.
“Louisa travels to rural and remote communities across the state, sharing the importance of telling the stories of regional people along the way,” Mason said.
“Through her storytelling, she shines a light on some of the harsh realities that rural communities can sometimes face, such as drought, isolation, and a lack of resources for local people.”
Gilmour received support from CEF during her university studies, including accommodation assistance through the Dunmore Lang College – CEF Scholarship.
She said the award acknowledged her passion for strengthening connections and understanding between rural and metropolitan Australia.
“I want to make sure rural Australia is represented authentically and by people who understand it from the inside,” Gilmour said.
Gilmour completed a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in media, culture and communications, and a Bachelor of Media and Communications, majoring in screen practice and production, at Macquarie University.
She completed both degrees in four years, despite each typically requiring three years of full-time study, and graduated with a high distinction average.
During her studies, she secured an internship with Grant Dodwell, an actor known for his role in the Australian television series A Country Practice.
“It was that internship that gave me the confidence that I could actually make a career in film, as I kept the contacts I made, which helped me take my first step into the industry,” Gilmour said.
Gilmour now works at Spectrum Films at Disney Studios in Sydney, an achievement she described as surreal when reflecting on her journey from regional NSW into the film industry.
She encouraged other regional students to pursue their ambitions, regardless of their backgrounds or the challenges they may face.
When it comes to words of wisdom for students chasing their dreams, Louisa said, “the sky is the limit!”
“Don’t assume something is out of reach just because it is different from what people around you have done. You don’t have to follow the most obvious path, and you don’t have to leave your values or your community behind to pursue something different. If you’re passionate about something, back yourself and give it a go. You never know where it might take you!”
The annual CEF Alumni Awards recognise past and present students across five categories, celebrating their achievements in education, training and community leadership.
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