Newcastle interior designer and community organiser Nadine Samwell has been awarded the inaugural Sinéad Francis-Coan Scholarship, funded by the City of Newcastle to support women and gender-diverse environmental leaders. Established following a unanimous Council motion after the passing of former Ward 3 Councillor Sinéad Francis-Coan, the scholarship underwrites participation in leadership development programs delivered by Women’s Environmental Leadership Australia (WELA).

City of Newcastle is funding three annual scholarships through the initiative, reflecting the three years remaining in Sinéad’s Council term following her election in 2024. Before her tenure on Council, Sinéad worked as a union organiser and grassroots advocate across environmental protection, gender equity and labour rights.

Nadine operates Eco Edition, an interior design consultancy focused on circular design principles, sustainable material sourcing, and waste reduction. Her regional advocacy includes co-founding the Hunter Region Branch of Renew, a national non-profit organisation promoting sustainable living, and establishing a community energy initiative following her participation in Council’s Empowering Climate Champions program to help Mayfield residents reduce household carbon footprints and energy costs.

Deputy Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Charlotte McCabe noted that the scholarship provides practical support for local community leaders pursuing environmental and social change.

“Sinéad was always looking for ways to share her change-making skills with women and gender diverse community members who have that fire in their bellies for change that she had,” Charlotte said.

“The problems we face can be overwhelming, but with the right tools and support, advocates for change can make a huge difference. Sinéad definitely demonstrated that throughout her life. It’s especially meaningful to announce the first recipient of one of three scholarships that City of Newcastle is funding to honour the three years that Sinéad would have been serving as a Councillor.”

Inaugural scholarship recipient, Nadine Samwell stated that the WELA leadership training will support her ongoing advocacy and sustainable design work across Newcastle and broader networks.

“I’ve already started taking part in the WELA program and so far it’s been a lifechanging experience. I am determined to make the absolute most of the opportunity it provides me,” Nadine said.

“I want to use this training to strengthen my leadership, deepen my contribution to climate and environmental action and grow into the kind of leader who inspires practical change for people and the planet. I launched Eco Edition in 2020 to help architects and designers who are trying to make more sustainable and healthier material choices, wanting to pass on the knowledge I’d gained from 15 years as an interior designer and a renovator for over 20 years. I now help architects and designers from around the world achieve their sustainability goals, but I’m also determined to continue to promote community-led climate action here in Newcastle.”

Lyndall Coan, mother of the late Councillor, added that the scholarship aligns with Sinéad’s focus on grassroots sustainability and local business support.

“We congratulate Nadine on being the first recipient of this scholarship and we look forward to seeing the impact it has on her work in the future,” Lyndall said.

“Sinéad was a tireless advocate for local businesses, especially small operations that had a focus on sustainability. She would be delighted that someone with Nadine’s passion has been awarded this scholarship.”

IMAGE | Newcastle sustainability advocate Nadine Samwell named inaugural Sinéad Francis-Coan Scholarship recipient