The region’s largest support group for mentors, Mentor Support Network (MSN), has received a welcomed boost from Port Waratah Coal Services (Port Waratah) through a $5,000 community investment donation.

Port Waratah Superintendent Maintenance Carrington Coal Terminal, Graham Hawkins said his personal connection with an MSN educational scholarship recipient brought the two organisations together.

“I have witnessed firsthand the impact of the valuable programs provided by MSN that assist and develop disadvantaged young people,” Graham said.

“There is a great alignment between our two organisations when it comes to supporting community programs that are making a real difference to people’s lives.”

The partnership between MSN and Port Waratah was formed following Graham’s attendance at the 2017 Education Scholarships Awards Ceremony earlier this year. Since 2008, MSN has provided 149 student scholarships across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Port Stephens, Upper Hunter, Cessnock, Dungog and Muswellbrook.

Port Waratah’s donation will help fund MSN’s informative networking events where key presenters share their knowledge and experience about youth issues and challenges. These forums align with Port Waratah’s goal to deliver value back to the community where there is
demonstrated need.

MSN Chairperson, Jon Chin said Port Waratah’s donation is a leading example of how local
companies can help young people who may be struggling.

“Generous assistance from industry and business enables us to support organisations working in the youth development sector, mentors and young people,” Jon said.

“Collectively, that results in enormous benefits to the wider community.”

Established in 2005, Mentor Support Network assists youth development organisations in the
Hunter by providing regular networking events, annual forums, scholarship programs and youth
mentor training.

IMAGE | Graham Hawkins of Port Waratah and Jon Chin, MSN.