With just two weeks to go before the cut off, the final call has been made for applications for International Women’s Day scholarships in the region.
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Illawarra women can apply for one of five scholarships designed to help them pursue their dreams and change their lives. Nominations close on January 31. Each scholarship is worth $2000 and is designed to give women who might not otherwise have the opportunity, the backing to expand their knowledge, skills and experience in their chosen area.
An example of how helpful that can be is Wollongong-raised Rio Olympian Madeline Hills who was the recipient of the Kerryn McCann IWD Scholarship for Women (Sport) in 2014. The middle distance runner was returning to competition after eight years away from sport and had a goal of representing Australia at the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games. She used the scholarship to fund her preparation and was selected for the team, finishing fourth in the 3000m steeplechase in Glasgow. In Rio she competed in the same event as well as the 5000m and posted personal best times in the finals of each event.
International Women’s Day Illawarra Committee chair Vicki Tiegs said Madeline’s journey is just one inspiring story.
“There are so many amazing women within the Illawarra who have the potential to achieve major goals in their own particular fields of interest but who need a helping hand to realise those goals,” she said.
The five scholarships on offer in 2017 are the Cate Stevenson IWD Scholarship for Women (Education, Business and Community Service), the Kerryn McCann IWD Scholarship for Women (Sports), the Aunty Mary IWD Scholarship for Indigenous Women (General), the Creative Spirit IWD Scholarship for Women (Art, Design, Music, Theatre, Photography, other) and the Beryl Lewis Scholarship for Older Women.
Four of the annual scholarships have been named after inspiring women who are no longer with us while the fifth was inspired by the region’s artistic community.
The 2017 International Women’s Day Illawarra is held in March.
International Women’s Day scholarships
Cate Stevenson IWD Scholarship for Women (Education, Business & Community Service)
Cate Stevenson was one of the Illawarra’s inspiring business women with a strong commitment to community. Over a career that spanned more than 20 years, she achieved enormous success and was the first female in NSW to take on a Sales Management role in the motor vehicle sales industry. Her contribution to the Illawarra community was exceptional and included 10 years on the Illawarra Black and White Committee (raising funds for Vision Australia) and Secretary of the Mt Kembla Mining Festival for 6 years. Her passionate commitment to her career, family and community is recognised by the IWD Scholarship being named in her honour.
Kerryn McCann IWD Scholarship for Women (Sports)
Kerryn McCann was one of Australia’s most well known sportswomen. Her humble yet approachable demeanour drew people to her. She competed at World, Olympic and Commonwealth games level winning Gold at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne – a moment that captured the heart of our nation. Living in Wollongong’s northern suburbs with her family, she was seen regularly pounding the pavements in her quest to be the best. Behind the scenes she was a supporter of many charities and of young women athletes. Kerryn inspired women everywhere and IWD recognises her incredible achievements by the IWD scholarship being named in her honour.
Aunty Mary IWD Scholarship for Indigenous Women (General)
Aunty Mary Davis was an Illawarra Aboriginal Elder known for her powerful commitment to Aboriginal issues, determination to cut through prejudice and to create justice. She was always at the forefront of Aboriginal issues working with government and non-government agencies, organisations and the community. When something was needed for her people she’d find the ways and means. She was never shy, never scared or intimidated and for that she was highly respected in the Illawarra and brought respect to the whole Aboriginal community. She was always looked to for guidance by the Aboriginal community and the greater Illawarra community. She is recognised as the driving force behind continuous positive change and we honour her with the Aunty Mary IWD Indigenous Scholarship. As she would say, ‘Keep striving for what you believe in and if you have something you feel strong enough about, you got to knock on doors’.
Creative Spirit IWD Scholarship for Women (Art, Design, Music, Theatre, Photography, other)
Inspired by the artistic community of the Illawarra, this award recognises the critical role that artists play in telling the stories of the diverse communities in which we live. Their work, whether as painters, playwrights or photographers, reflects the heart and soul of who we are and has the power to inspire, and bring people together.
The Beryl Lewis Scholarship for Older Women
Beryl Lewis was inspired by a love of older people and the joy and fulfilment that volunteering provided. Beryl had a long association with Warrigal Care where she operated the Warrigal Op-Shop, volunteered at the Mt Warrigal Care Home and served as a Board member from 1984-1998. During her time on the Board, Beryl developed an interest in Alzheimer’s Disease and was instrumental in setting up a Day Care Centre to provide respite to carers. Now known as the Beryl Lewis Centre, this remains a key service offered by Warrigal Care today. Beryl also particularly enjoyed working with other inspiring women who were part of the Mt Warrigal Ladies Auxiliary. She once said “”I’m very proud of the Auxiliary and all of those who volunteer. People have done some wonderful things: you wouldn’t credit what they have done.” Note: The applicant must be aged 55 or over
Greg Ellis
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
