Cessnock City Council has proudly announced the recipients of its 2026 Mayoral Scholarships during an official presentation held yesterday at Performance Arts Culture Cessnock (PACC).
Now in its 24th year, the Mayoral Scholarship Program has awarded 283 local students across the Cessnock Local Government Area with a combined total of $745,500 since it began in 2002. This year, thanks to the generous support of local sponsors, Council awarded 21 scholarships, each valued at $2,500.
Cessnock City Council Mayor Dan Watton said the program is an important investment in the future of the local community.
"It's inspiring to see so many talented and motivated students pursuing their educational and career aspirations," said Clr Watton.
"These scholarships provide meaningful support while also recognising the hard work and determination of young people across our region.
"Council is grateful to the sponsors who continue to partner with us in creating opportunities for local students to succeed."
Each scholarship provides students with direct financial assistance to help cover costs such as tuition, textbooks, and essential study resources.
The 2026 scholarship recipients are:
- Keeley Craft, sponsored by Austar Coal Mine and Yanoal
- Alice Goulding, sponsored by Belford Land Corporation
- Marissa Caban, sponsored by Cessnock Leagues Club
- Rosa Obeid, sponsored by Daracon Group
- May Webster, sponsored by East Cessnock Bowling Club
- Kiara Howson, sponsored by Fulton Hogan
- Bethany Knight, sponsored by Hunter Resource Recovery
- Darcy Russell, sponsored by KFC Cessnock and Kurri Kurri
- Jasmine Kerr, sponsored by Kurri Kurri Community Services Study Hub
- Ethan Jurd, sponsored by Lions Club of Cessnock
- Nicholas Perkins, sponsored by Lisa McGuigan Wines
- Macy Langworthy, sponsored by McCloy Group
- Chelsea Gunther, sponsored by Retired Mine Workers Association
- Jade Parker-Manderson, sponsored Railway Hotel Cessnock
- Jorja Schofield, sponsored by Recycle Central and Central Waste Station
- Danley Namuag, sponsored by Cessnock Rotary Club
- Kate Walker, sponsored by Rover Coaches and the Buslines Group
- Claire Mitchell, sponsored by Solo Resource Recovery
- Catarina Fara, sponsored by the Stevens Group
- Chantell Limond, sponsored by the Bloomfield
- Jemma Murphy, sponsored by the Mutual Bank
Council extends sincere thanks to all sponsors for their commitment to education and community development, and a huge congratulations to all of this year's recipients of the 2026 Mayoral Scholarship Program.
