• Applications now open for the MidCoast Council Community Leadership and Resilience Scholarship at Charles Sturt University
• MidCoast Council will fund 25 scholarships for locals to study two micro-subjects with Charles Sturt
• Scholarship program aims to provide support, ideas and opportunities to build leadership capacity and develop collaborative strategies for the region’s recovery

Charles Sturt University and the MidCoast Council will soon launch a new scholarship program for locals committed to strengthening the region after the impacts of drought, bushfire, floods and COVID-19. 

The MidCoast Council Community Leadership and Resilience Scholarships will provide current and aspiring community members with the knowledge and skills to build a stronger and more resilient community.

The program aims to provide support, ideas and opportunities to build leadership capacity and develop collaborative strategies for the region’s recovery.

The University conducted research in 2018 and found that communities need passionate and capable leaders.

To address this demand, Charles Sturt has partnered with the MidCoast Council to create 25 scholarships for MidCoast community members worth $1,200 each.

The program is committed to growing and supporting emerging leaders in the Mid Coast LGA and driving innovation and growth by supporting residents to pursue higher education.

Scholarship recipients will be required to complete two micro-subjects from Charles Sturt’s Graduate Certificate in Community Leadership and Resilience.

The first subject they will study is Building Community Resilience, commencing Monday 8 March, and the second is Leading Change, commencing Monday 28 June.

Each subject will run over eight weeks and students who apply to complete the full course will receive credit for the two completed subjects.

Charles Sturt Director of External Engagement in Port Macquarie Ms Kate Wood-Foye said existing programs are already showing positive results in other regions and she is excited to bring this to the MidCoast region.

“This program is focussed on upskilling diverse community members to become leaders in their workplace, communities or voluntary organisations,” she said.

“The skills learned will enable them to lead positive change for the MidCoast, fostering resilience and stronger community connections to build a brighter future.

“Similar programs are thriving in the region, such as the Mid North Coast Joint Organisation Resilience Network which was formed last year and is made up of people from all walks of life, aged 20 to 70 years old, from Port Macquarie, Bellingen and Kempsey LGAs.

“This group has come together to learn, share ideas and support each other and will take these skills back into their communities

“They key is the connection within the group that will drive change and prepare the MidCoast community for any challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.”

MidCoast Council Mayor David West said the community will benefit from the leaders that emerge from this program.

“Our community has been impacted by the bushfires of 2019 in a way that will live with us forever,” he said.

“To be able to help our community become more resilient, and support leadership capacity within our communities, is something I am really proud the MidCoast Council can be involved with.

“These scholarships will build current and emerging leaders in our community and the benefits will flow on to all who call the MidCoast home.”

Applications can be made online and close Wednesday 24 February.