Cessnock Leagues Club is once again supporting Cessnock City Council’s long-running Mayoral Scholarship Program as a sponsor of the 2026 funding round.

The Mayoral Scholarship Program was established in 2002, and the Club has been a sponsor for most of that time. The program has awarded 277 local students across the Cessnock local government area with a combined total of $692,500 since its inception, thanks to the support of several local businesses.

Applications are now open for this year’s scholarships, and all university and TAFE students who reside in the Cessnock LGA are encouraged to apply.

Taylee Short was the recipient of the Cessnock Leagues Club scholarship in 2025, obtaining $2500 to put towards her studies.

Taylee is studying a Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) at the University of Newcastle. The 25-year-old is a young mother juggling children, work, volunteering and tertiary study. She works as a young parent co-researcher at Brave Foundation – a non-profit that supports young people who are either expecting a child or are on the journey of parenthood. Taylee hopes to use her own experience as a young parent to inspire others to achieve their goals.

As part of her studies, she is required to complete a three-month work placement to gain intensive practical experience, meaning she will have to take leave from work. The Mayoral Scholarship will ease the financial pressure this will place on her young family.

Taylee said she was very grateful to receive the scholarship.

“As a young mum, I have felt the full effects of today’s economy and the cost-of-living crisis that we are currently facing. I work a part-time job as well as undertaking study at the same time, my full-time study load and parental responsibility can often hinder me from undertaking extra hours at work, often putting strain on my family,” she said.

“I will have to undertake two three-month blocks of unpaid work placement for my studies, where I will need to take leave from work, and your generosity means that I can put some money away to keep us afloat during this time.

“Furthermore, the scholarship has significantly reduced my stress around the cost of textbooks, transport to university and childcare costs associated with attending university classes.

“As well as being a financial benefit, this scholarship is keeping me on track to graduate, serving as a reminder that I do have people who believe in me, who support me and know that I am capable and that I can do great things.

“This scholarship eases significant pressure not just on myself, but on my family as well.”

Cessnock Hospitality Group president Bruce Wilson said the Mayoral Scholarship Program fits in neatly with the club’s Community Support programs.

“CHG is proud to be part of the scholarship program and we encourage all eligible local students to apply,” he said.

About the scholarships

  • Value: $2500 per recipient (paid in two instalments)
  • Who can apply: Residents of the Cessnock LGA, of any age, studying at university or TAFE
  • Funds can be used for: Course fees, textbooks, laptops, study supplies and other education‑related costs
  • Selection is based on: Academic merit, community involvement and achievement

Applications close Monday, April 27, 2026 via cessnock.nsw.gov.au.