Outstanding local students recognised through Mayoral Academic Scholarships

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

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

This achievement has been made possible through strong partnerships among the Council, the Mayor, and local businesses. 

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,” Mayor Anderson added. 

The program provides $2,000 scholarships. It is proudly sponsored by local businesses that offer recipients both financial assistance and 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.”

Mayor Anderson 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 - reflecting the diverse aspirations of young people across the region. 

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

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

For more information about the Port Stephens Mayoral Academic Scholarships visit: pscouncil.info/MAS-26.

If you’re a local business that would like to learn more about becoming a sponsor, contact the Vibrant Places team on 02 4988 0255 or email pscgrants@portstephens.nsw.gov.au.