Walkom Real Estate has partnered with the Hunter TAFE Foundation to offer a scholarship that aims to create educational pathways for young people pursuing a career in real estate.

The Sonia Walkom Memorial Scholarship has been established in memory of Sonia and takes inspiration from her enthusiasm for continuous learning in a career that provided her with so much enjoyment.

In a distinguished career that spanned more than 40 years until her death in May 2014, Sonia Walkom was a passionate businessperson and advocate for Newcastle and the Hunter.

Until her death she remained in partnership at Walkom with her son Scott, leading a team of more than 20 highly experienced agents and support staff.

Walkom Real Estate is one of the region’s most experienced and respected agents specialising in residential sales, fine homes, investment property, commercial property, developments, and property management.

“Sonia worked with some of the region’s most prominent property owners and was highly regarded for sharp negotiation skills that were balanced by her ability to give the utmost respect for all people,” Scott said.

“We hope that the scholarship will help someone who loves the region and the real estate sector as much as Sonia did.”

Hunter TAFE Foundation President, Neville Sawyer said the scholarship would provide much needed support and encouragement for a student pursuing a career in the local real estate industry.

“This is the first time a scholarship is being offered specifically for real estate students studying at Hunter TAFE. The Sonia Walkom Memorial Scholarship is a great gift of support for young people entering the industry that she loved so dearly,” Neville said.

The inaugural Sonia Walkom Memorial Scholarship will be presented at Hunter TAFE Foundation’s scholarship and awards presentation in June.