Mentor Support Network (MSN) has re-elected Julie Rich as Chairperson for a second term, following a unanimous decision at the organisation’s 2025 Annual General Meeting.
Julie first joined the not-for-profit in 2023 and was immediately elected Chair due to her extensive leadership experience across private, government, property, and tertiary education sectors.
“I’m very grateful to have the confidence of such an experienced and diverse committee at MSN which has been very supportive of me in the past year as we focus on supporting financially disadvantaged students entering their senior years of study,” Julie said.
MSN supports students in the Hunter Region who face significant socio-economic or family challenges, offering financial scholarships and mentoring assistance to help them complete their studies. The network’s core purpose is to remove barriers to education for students with demonstrated potential who are held back by financial hardship.
At the AGM, most of the committee members were re-elected, with the 2025 leadership team confirmed as:
- Keith Powell – Vice Chair
- Cristopher Cull – Treasurer
- Cheryl Watterson – Secretary
- Allissa Arnold – Sponsorship
- Helen Doust – Scholarships
- Kate Forrester – Communication & Media
- Gail Hamer – Membership
Former committee member Steve Gillan did not seek re-election but will continue to support the organisation behind the scenes.
Julie, who is also Principal of Compose Consulting and Chair of the Property Council’s Hunter Committee, recently led MSN through a strategic planning workshop to review the organisation’s business plan and ensure long-term sustainability.
“We have introduced a new tiered sponsorship program, discussed a potential expansion of our scholarship program for students and looked at the structure of our sub-committees,” Julie said.
“Importantly, we looked at our existing relationship with sponsors and donors and will continue our good work of supporting students in education in the Hunter Region.”
As part of this renewed strategic focus, MSN has adopted a new Mission Statement: To promote equity for senior students in the Hunter Region who show potential but are held back by financial disadvantage.
The revised mission will guide the organisation’s priorities and ensure that MSN continues its commitment to empowering local students through meaningful educational support.
IMAGE | MSN Chairperson, Julie Rich
