The Hunter TAFE Foundation’s Semester One presentation, held in June, recognised 41 outstanding students from across the Hunter and Central Coast regions who received a total of $40,000 in scholarships and awards. These students, studying a wide range of disciplines from Information Technology and Early Childhood to Aviation, Health, Hospitality, and more, are now better positioned to succeed in their careers thanks to the financial support.

Karen Howard, President of the Hunter TAFE Foundation, explained the importance of the Foundation’s role in assisting students through challenging times. “The cost-of-living crisis continues to impact many TAFE NSW students, making it increasingly difficult for them to balance work, childcare, travel, and study costs. The support from the Foundation is more crucial than ever in helping them achieve their career aspirations,” Ms Howard said.

The scholarships were funded by the generous contributions of loyal donors, enabling the Foundation to assist students from diverse backgrounds in completing their studies and entering or advancing in their careers. These scholarships cover various areas, including Information Technology, Early Childhood, Accounting, Building and Construction, and more.

Jason Darney, Acting Chief Operating Officer at TAFE NSW, highlighted the impact of the scholarships: “TAFE NSW is committed to training the workforce of the future, but with the increasing cost of living, many students face financial difficulties while pursuing their studies. The Hunter TAFE Foundation is providing much-needed support to help these students reach their full potential.”

One of the recipients, Kayla Battle, a student studying Certificate II in Electrotechnology at TAFE NSW Newcastle, received the Varley Encouragement Scholarship. This scholarship is aimed at students in non-traditional industries and has allowed Kayla to focus more on her studies. “Receiving this scholarship means I can focus more on my studies and training without the stress of juggling multiple part-time jobs. It inspires me to continue striving for greatness in this non-traditional field,” said Kayla.

The scholarships and awards were presented on Wednesday, 11 June 2025, at TAFE NSW Kurri Kurri, celebrating the achievements, resilience, and commitment of students pursuing their qualifications, from Certificates to Higher Education.

IMAGE | Varley Encouragement Scholarship winner, Kayla Battle