Record number of scholarships awarded to local students

Published on 23 May 2024

Cessnock City Council was delighted to announce the recipients of its 2024 Mayoral Scholarships at today’s official presentation at Performance Arts Culture Cessnock.

The Mayoral Scholarship Program has been running since 2002 and has awarded $655,500 to 262 students across the Cessnock Local Government Area.

This year marked a milestone in the program with a record number of sponsors on board, allowing Council to award 16 $2,500 scholarships, which is a 45% increase on last year.

Cessnock City Mayor Jay Suvaal said this program is something he is truly proud of, as it offers meaningful financial support to local students.

"It is wonderful to be able to provide this support to our community, and the calibre of students who apply each year is just outstanding, and this year is no different," said Clr Suvaal.

"This year’s recipients are studying a broad range of courses including law, social work, aviation, nursing, medicine, paramedical science, education, counselling, physiotherapy, marketing, electrotechnology and climate science.

"I would like to congratulate all of the recipients and wish them well with their studies. I would also like to thank our wonderful sponsors, because without them, this program would not be possible."

The 2024 scholarship recipients, who will receive $2,500 to assist with the cost of their studies, are:

• Isabella Lowe, sponsored by Austar Coal Mine.
• Kellie Williams-Caslick, sponsored by Central Waste Station.
• Connor Dodds, sponsored by the Retired Mineworkers Association.
• Lily Stothard, sponsored by Galah Cyber.
• Harrison Reed, sponsored by Hunter Resource Recovery.
• Bree Abbot, sponsored by Belford Land Corporation.
• Erin McKenna, sponsored by Cessnock Leagues Club.
• Rachael Trudgett, sponsored by Fulton Hogan.
• Krystal Sellars, sponsored by Roche Group.
• Jade Unahi, sponsored by Dr Russell Kift NuSmiles Clinic.
• Abby Henderson, sponsored by Lisa McGuigan Wines.
• Amy Jane Boughton, sponsored by Cessnock Lions Club.
• Kayne Blayden, sponsored by the Bloomfield Group.
• Olivia McDonald, sponsored by Cessnock Rotary Club.
• Tracey Brown, sponsored by Creightons Funerals.
• Josephine Blissett, sponsored by Cessnock City Council.

Cessnock City Council would like to congratulate to all of this year's scholarship recipients and a thank the sponsors of the 2024 Mayoral Scholarship Program.