Students recognised through Mayoral Academic Scholarships

PORT Stephens Council has proudly announced the recipients of its Mayoral Academic Scholarship Program, celebrating outstanding local students as they prepare to commence tertiary study this year.

The Mayoral Academic Scholarship Program, now in its 16th year, has supported over 180 students from across Port Stephens.

Mayor Leah Anderson said the standard of applicants this year was exceptionally high.

“The quality, ambition and community-mindedness of students who applied this year was truly impressive,” Mayor Anderson said.

“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.”

The program provides $2,000 scholarships sponsored by local businesses.

As well as financial assistance, students are afforded the opportunity to connect with industry leaders across Port Stephens.

Mayor Anderson said the strength of this year’s interview process led to a new milestone for the program.

“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 of the Mayoral Academic Scholarships will pursue a wide range of study areas, including marine and Antarctic science, medicine, engineering, biomedical, radiation and medical science, midwifery, physiotherapy, paramedicine, criminology, education, law, media and communications and business.

Mayor Anderson thanked the local businesses that continue to invest in the future of Port Stephens.

“This program simply wouldn’t exist without the generosity of our local business sponsors,” she said.

“Their support plays an important role in helping young people succeed and in building a strong future workforce for Port Stephens.”

The Mayoral Academic Scholarship recipients were formally recognised at a presentation event held at Nelson Bay Golf Club on Thursday 12 February 2026.

Mayoral Academic Scholarship Recipients

Business-partnered scholarships ($2,000 each):

Destiny Atutahi: Soldiers Point Lions Club, Bachelor of Midwifery, University of Newcastle

Zoë Beks: Soldiers Point Bowling Club, Bachelor of Medical Science / Doctor of Medicine, University of Newcastle

Anique de Vries: Hunter Readymixed Concrete, Bachelor of Biomedical Science, Monash University

Lily Genders: Destination Port Stephens, Bachelor of Marine and Antarctic Science, University of Tasmania

Kate Gibson: Raymond Terrace Bowling Club, Bachelor of Paramedicine, Charles Sturt University, Port Macquarie

Charlie Hartmann: Business Port Stephens, Bachelor of Business, University of Newcastle

Ashley Horne: Weathertex, Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Honours – Nuclear Medicine), University of Newcastle

Alexander Hopwood: McCloy Group, Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of Biomedicine, University of Newcastle

Lacey Jones: Hunter Land, Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Laws (Honours), University of Newcastle

Breanna Kempf: McDonald Jones, Bachelor of Media and Communications, University of Newcastle

Elisha Lai: MOJO Homes, Bachelor of Science, UNSW Sydney

Bronte Micheli: Club Lemon Tree, Bachelor of Physiotherapy, Charles Sturt University, Port Macquarie

Mikaylee Parsons: The Wests Group, Bachelor of Visual Communications Design, University of Newcastle

Stephanie Prouse: Salamander Bay Recycling, Bachelor of Biomedical Science, University of Newcastle

Jackson Skaines: The Wests Group, Bachelor of Education (Secondary), University of Newcastle

Taylor Smith: Club Lemon Tree, Bachelor of Education (Primary), University of Newcastle

Samantha Sutton: Kongsberg Defence Australia, Bachelor of Criminology and Bachelor of Law (Honours), University of Newcastle

Asher Telfer: Newcastle Airport, Bachelor of Engineering (Honours – Chemical Product Engineering), UNSW Sydney

Mayoral Contribution Recipients ($1,000 each):

Suzy Cole: Bachelor of Education (Primary), University of Newcastle

Jorja Lamb: Bachelor of Nursing, University of Newcastle

Ethan van Lonkhuyzen: Bachelor of Aerospace Systems Engineering (Honours)/Bachelor of Mechatronics Engineering (Honours), University of Newcastle