Newcastle and Hunter region’s Mentor Support Network (MSN) has appointed a new Chairperson for the not-for-profit organisation.

Julie Rich, a senior leader and executive with three decades experience across diverse roles within the private sector, government, property and tertiary education sectors was elected to the position at MSN’s 2024 Annual General Meeting.

Julie is Principal of Compose Consulting, which offers leadership coaching for emerging, middle and senior managers and also strategic advisory counsel on program governance frameworks, business cases, workshop facilitation and organisational strategy reviews.

MSN is a not-for-profit organisation that assists young students experiencing significant socio-economic difficulties or family challenges in the Hunter Region.

Established in 2002 and incorporated in 2005, MSN’s primary purpose is to be a successful not-for-profit organisation that offers relevant programs (e.g. financial scholarships, mentoring assistance) that allow disadvantaged students in the Hunter region the opportunity to complete their studies.

In essence, MSN strives to remove inequality for students who have proven potential but who are held back by financial disadvantage.

Julie is taking over the Chairperson position from Judy Hart who has been leading MSN for the past two years. Judy announced prior to the AGM that she was standing down because of increasing family commitments and travel to Sydney.

“I’m very happy to be offered the opportunity of stepping into the MSN role as it complements a lot of my existing interests,” Julie said.

“I am passionate about economic diversification and social prosperity in the Hunter Region, the value of education and place making. I’m hoping my involvement and network of positive relationships with a range of community, business and industry groups throughout the region and beyond will be an advantage to MSN.”

Julie also volunteers her time as a mentor with the Mentor Walks Program, as Chair of the Hunter Chapter of the Property Council of Australia and as an NSW Divisional Council Member of the Property Council.

Patron of MSN, Melinda Smith paid tribute to retiring Chairperson in Judy Hart whom she said had worked diligently in the past two years to ensure the organisation focused on its role of assisting financially disadvantaged young students to complete their studies through an educational scholarship program and associated support.

“MSN has increased its output in recent years and next month will be presenting 47 educational scholarships for 2024 to students who have been nominated by teaching staff at regional high schools, TAFE colleges and vocational institution in the Hunter Region,” Melinda said.

“Judy has worked very hard in gaining the increasing support of prospective sponsors and donors without whom MSN would not be able to provide such an important service to the region’s young people.”

A retired pharmacist, Judy has been involved in community volunteering for many years and said the past two years had seen MSN focus on provision of educational scholarships although not losing contact with its mentor support role.

“I wish to thank MSN’s hard-working committee which continues to develop partnerships with the corporate sector, but also thank our strong network of volunteers who do such a marvelous job in assisting financially disadvantaged young people in the Hunter region.

“I have a firm belief in the value of mentoring and educational scholarships which allow young people to finish their schooling or education and have been delighted to be involved with Mentor Support Network.”

IMAGE | MSN’s retiring Chairperson, Judy Hart (left) and Patron, Melinda Smith (right), congratulate new head of the organisation, Julie Rich, on her election.