Port Stephens businesses put $36,000 behind 2026 mayoral scholarships

newy.com.au – Applications are now open for the 2026 Port Stephens Mayoral Academic Scholarship Program, with 16 local businesses funding 18 scholarships worth $2,000 each for school leavers heading to TAFE or university.

Now in its sixteenth year, the program is designed to ease the jump from school into further study by helping with upfront costs and linking Port Stephens graduates with local employers, with Council figures showing more than 190 students have shared around $380,000 in support over the life of the scheme.

Under the model, each participating business contributes $2,000, Port Stephens Council runs a competitive selection process, and successful applicants are matched with a sponsor for their first year of tertiary study. The funding can be used for expenses such as textbooks and course materials, a laptop or specialist equipment, rent or bond for students who need to move away, and transport and other study-related costs.

Mayor Leah Anderson said the scholarships are about more than a one-off payment. “These scholarships give students a head start and show them that their community believes in them,” Mayor Anderson said.

She said the link with local industry was a key feature of the scheme. “By partnering with local businesses, we’re helping students develop connections that can guide their careers for years to come,” Mayor Anderson said, adding that the support gives young people “a bit of a head start” as they leave school.

The 2026 scholarships are backed by a mix of long-term and newer sponsors: Business Port Stephens, Club Lemon Tree, Destination Port Stephens, Hunter Land, Hunter Readymixed Concrete, Kongsberg Defence Australia, McCloy Group, McDonald Jones, MOJO Homes, Newcastle Airport, Raymond Terrace Bowling Club, Salamander Bay Recycling, Soldiers Point Bowling Club, Soldiers Point Lions Club, The Wests Group and Weathertex. Club Lemon Tree and The Wests Group are each funding two scholarships, bringing the total to 18 awards and $36,000 in support that reflects major local sectors including construction and housing, tourism, manufacturing, defence, aviation and hospitality.

Council records from recent rounds highlight the growth of the program, with scholarship pools of $40,000 in 2022, 2023 and 2024 and $34,000 for students starting in 2025, largely funded by the local business community. Many of the 2026 sponsors have appeared repeatedly over those years.

To be eligible for the new round, applicants must be school leavers living in the Port Stephens Local Government Area, planning to start their first year of TAFE or university study in 2026, and be Australian citizens or permanent residents.

Recent application materials show students are asked to provide a résumé, two written references, their Higher School Certificate results and a letter of offer from their chosen institution, as well as short written responses about their school achievements, community involvement and future goals. Shortlisted applicants are interviewed, with selection based on academic results, the strength of their references, community contributions and, where relevant, hardship or disadvantage.

The scholarship is paid after a local presentation evening and is designed for that critical first year of study, which Council notes can be the most expensive. Council has previously reported that many recipients use the money to buy a laptop, secure accommodation or cover rising day-to-day living costs as they adjust to tertiary study.

Council media also points to past students such as former recipient Ebony Newton, who has described how receiving a scholarship reduced the stress of buying textbooks and materials and helped her connect with local industry leaders, giving her a clearer idea of where her degree could lead. The University of Newcastle now lists the Port Stephens Mayoral Academic Scholarships on its external scholarships page, noting that the program supports first-year students while helping them build relationships with industry.

Mayor Anderson thanked participating businesses for backing the next generation of local talent. “I want to thank our business sponsors for investing in the future of our community. Their support ensures students can focus on their studies while building networks that may shape their careers,” she said.

Applications for the 2026 Mayoral Academic Scholarship Program close on Wednesday 3 December 2025. School leavers can apply online at pscouncil.info/MAS-26 or contact Port Stephens Council’s Vibrant Places team on 02 4988 0255 or pscgrants@portstephens.nsw.gov.au
for more information.