Scholarships
The International Women’s Day Illawarra Committee awards eight individual scholarships of $2,500 each to encourage women in our community, who might not otherwise have the opportunity, to expand their knowledge, skill and experience in a field of their interest or in which they have shown great potential.
Through the support of sponsors and attendees at the annual event, the IWD Illawarra Committee funds seven of the eight scholarships while the family of Gracie Wallis fund the scholarship named in her honour.
Applications opening soon!
Cate Stevenson IWD Scholarship for Women (Education, Business & Community Service)
Presenter: Andrew Stevenson
2024 Winner: Jessica Roppa
Cate Stevenson was one of the Illawarra’s inspiring business women with a strong commitment to community. Over a career that spanned more than 20 years, she achieved enormous success and was the first female in NSW to take on a Sales Management role in the motor vehicle sales industry. Her contribution to the Illawarra community was exceptional and included 10 years on the Illawarra Black and White Committee (raising funds for Vision Australia) and Secretary of the Mt Kembla Mining Festival for 6 years. Her passionate commitment to her career, family and community is recognised by the IWD Scholarship being named in her honour.
Kerryn McCann IWD Scholarship for Women (Sports)
Presenter: Benton McCann
2024 Winner: Delta Amidzovski (her father Alex collected award on her behalf)
Kerryn McCann was one of Australia’s most well-known sportswomen. She competed at World, Olympic and Commonwealth games level winning Gold at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne – a moment that captured the heart of our nation. Living in Wollongong’s northern suburbs with her family, she was seen regularly pounding the pavements in her quest to be the best. Behind the scenes she was a supporter of many charities and of young women athletes. Kerryn inspired women in all walks of life and IWD recognises her incredible achievements through the IWD scholarship being named in her honour.
Aunty Mary IWD Scholarship for Indigenous Women (General)
Presenter: Melissa Henkleman
2024 Winner: Sheree Rankmore (her son Djamin collected award on her behalf)
Aunty Mary Davis was an Illawarra Aboriginal Elder known for her powerful commitment to Aboriginal issues, determination to cut through prejudice and to create justice. She was always at the forefront of Aboriginal issues working with government and non-government agencies, organisations and the community. When something was needed for her people she’d find the ways and means. She was never shy, never scared or intimidated and for that she was highly respected in the Illawarra and brought respect to the whole Aboriginal community. She was always looked to for guidance by the Aboriginal community and the greater Illawarra community. She is recognised as the driving force behind continuous positive change and we honour her with the Aunty Mary IWD Indigenous Scholarship. As she would say, ‘Keep striving for what you believe in and if you have something you feel strong enough about, you got to knock on doors’.
Creative Spirit IWD Scholarship for Women (Art, Design, Music, Theatre, Photography, other)
Presenter: Robyn Te Velde OAM
2024 Winner: Ellie Taylor
Inspired by the artistic community of the Illawarra, this award recognises the critical role that artists play in telling the stories of the diverse communities in which we live. Their work, whether as painters, playwrights or photographers, reflects the heart and soul of who we are and has the power to inspire, and bring people together.
The Beryl Lewis Scholarship for Older Women
Presenter: Jenni Hutchins
2024 Winner: Susan Golrick
Beryl Lewis was inspired by a love of older people and the joy and fulfilment that volunteering provided. Beryl had a long association with Warrigal where she operated the Warrigal Op-Shop, volunteered at the Mt Warrigal Care Home and served as a Board member from 1984-1998. During her time on the Board, Beryl developed an interest in Alzheimer’s Disease and was instrumental in setting up a Day Care Centre to provide respite to carers. Now known as the Beryl Lewis Centre, this remains a key service offered by Warrigal today. Beryl also particularly enjoyed working with other inspiring women who were part of the Mt Warrigal Ladies Auxiliary. She once said “”I’m very proud of the Auxiliary and all of those who volunteer. People have done some wonderful things: you wouldn’t credit what they have done.”
Note: The applicant must be aged 55 or over.
The Dr Margaret Gardiner Scholarship for Medical Research
Presenters: Gerald & Dom Riordan
2024 Winner: Elahe Minaei
Dr Margaret Gardiner was a renowned Wollongong doctor and public advocate for breast cancer awareness. Diagnosed with breast cancer herself in the year 2000, Dr Margaret Gardiner did all in her power to raise funds to find a cure as well as raise awareness for breast cancer, creating a community of awareness and support in the Illawarra. The Illawarra ambassador for the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Margaret was often seen sporting her signature pink tutu and pink ribbons at the annual Wollongong Mother’s Day Classic run, which in 2017 was officially renamed Margaret’s Family Fun ‘n Run/ Walk in her honour. Dr Gardiner’s legacy continues to inspire others to find a cure. The Dr Margaret Gardiner Scholarship for Medical Research in the area of cancer will receive assistance towards their studies.
The Gracie Wallis Scholarship for Women with a disability
Presenter: Sophie Wallis
2024 Winner: Imogen Alton
Inspired by the memory of Gracie Wallis (2005-2018), the inaugural Gracie Wallis for Women Scholarship was created to help women with a disability to achieve their dreams. Affectionately called ‘Amazing Grace’ by her tight-knit Woonona family, Gracie Wallis was born with a hypoxic brain injury and cerebral palsy. However, this never impacted Gracie’s ability to make a special connection with those around her, and during her years attending North Wollongong’s Para Meadows School. Gracie’s mother, Susan Wallis told the Illawarra Mercury in July 2018. “Disabled does not mean lesser. It just means different.”
Rising Star IWD Scholarship for Young Women
Presenter: Janine Cullen OAM
2024 Winner: Isabella Coleman
Presented for the first time in 2024, the Rising Star scholarship recognises the outstanding achievements of young women, aged between 15 and 21, who have shown a strong aptitude and deep-seated passion for their field. This scholarship aims to empower and support these promising individuals as they embark on their educational and personal journeys, fostering their growth and enabling them to make a lasting impact in their chosen fields.