newy.com.au – Newcastle sustainability advocate Nadine Samwell has become the first recipient of a leadership scholarship established in memory of former councillor Sinéad Francis-Coan.
The City of Newcastle-funded scholarship will allow Ms Samwell to undertake training through Women’s Environmental Leadership Australia, which runs national programs for women and gender-diverse people working on environmental issues.
Ms Samwell, an interior designer who has helped establish two community-led climate action groups, said she wanted to use the training to strengthen practical environmental work in Newcastle.
“I want to use this training to strengthen my leadership, deepen my contribution to climate and environmental action and grow into the kind of leader who inspires practical change for people and the planet,” she said.
Ms Samwell founded sustainable design business Eco Edition in 2020, drawing on her experience as an interior designer and renovator to help architects and designers make more sustainable and healthier material choices. Her work applies circular design principles intended to keep materials in use for longer and reduce waste.
She also helped form the Hunter Region branch of Renew, a national not-for-profit organisation promoting sustainable homes and communities.
After taking part in the council’s Empowering Climate Champions program, Ms Samwell formed another community group that paid for an energy assessor to visit Mayfield homes and advise residents on reducing energy use, power bills and carbon emissions.
The scholarship was created after Cr Francis-Coan died suddenly during her first term representing Ward 3. She had been elected to the council in 2024 after working as a union organiser and participating in campaigns involving workers’ rights, environmental protection and gender equity.
Councillors unanimously backed the scholarship, with the council committing to fund one recipient in each of the three years Cr Francis-Coan would otherwise have served.
Deputy Lord Mayor Charlotte McCabe said the program reflected Cr Francis-Coan’s efforts to support emerging community leaders.
“The problems we face can be overwhelming, but with the right tools and support, advocates for change can make a huge difference. Sinéad definitely demonstrated that throughout her life,” Cr McCabe said.
Cr Francis-Coan’s mother, Lyndall Coan, said her daughter had been a strong supporter of small businesses with a focus on sustainability.
“We congratulate Nadine on being the first recipient of this scholarship and we look forward to seeing the impact it has on her work in the future,” Ms Coan said.
“She would be delighted that someone with Nadine’s passion has been awarded this scholarship.”
Members of the public can contribute towards further scholarships through the Women’s Environmental Leadership Australia website:
https://francis-coan.wela.org.au
