Port Stephens announces 21 Mayoral Academic Scholarship recipients for 2026

newy.com.au – Port Stephens Council has recognised 21 local students with Mayoral Academic Scholarships at a presentation event at Nelson Bay Golf Club on Thursday 12 February 2026.

Now in its 16th year, the Mayoral Academic Scholarship Program has supported more than 180 students across Port Stephens through partnerships between council, the Mayor and local businesses. The scholarships are designed to assist students as they begin tertiary study in 2026.

Port Stephens Mayor Leah Anderson said the standard of applicants was “exceptionally high”. “The quality, ambition and community-mindedness of students who applied this year was truly impressive,” she said.

The program provides $2,000 business-partnered scholarships sponsored by local organisations, with recipients also given opportunities to connect with industry leaders across the region. “These scholarships are about supporting young people as they take their next step, easing the financial pressure of study while helping them build connections that can support their future careers,” Anderson said.

Anderson said the strength of the interview process prompted a new milestone, with three additional students to be formally recognised through mayoral contributions. “This year we’ve selected three additional students, who inspired the selection panel and as a result will also be formally recognised with a $1000 contribution towards their studies,” she said.

Recipients will pursue study in fields including marine and Antarctic science, medicine, engineering, biomedical and medical radiation science, midwifery, physiotherapy, paramedicine, criminology, education, law, media and communications and business. Most awardees will study at the University of Newcastle, with others heading to UNSW Sydney, Monash University, the University of Tasmania and Charles Sturt University in Port Macquarie.

The $2,000 scholarship recipients were Destiny Atutahi, Zoë Beks, Anique de Vries, Lily Genders, Kate Gibson, Charlie Hartmann, Ashley Horne, Alexander Hopwood, Lacey Jones, Breanna Kempf, Elisha Lai, Bronte Micheli, Mikaylee Parsons, Stephanie Prouse, Jackson Skaines, Taylor Smith, Samantha Sutton and Asher Telfer, while Suzy Cole, Jorja Lamb and Ethan van Lonkhuyzen received $1,000 mayoral contributions.

Anderson thanked local sponsors for backing the program, saying: “This program simply wouldn’t exist without the generosity of our local business sponsors. Their support plays an important role in helping young people succeed and in building a strong future workforce for Port Stephens.” Businesses interested in becoming a sponsor can contact council’s Vibrant Places team on 02 4988 0255 or email pscgrants@portstephens.nsw.gov.au