Chairperson of Newcastle and Hunter Region’s Mentor Support Network (MSN), Julie Rich, has been elected for a third term at the organisation’s 2026 Annual General Meeting.
Julie joined the not-for-profit organisation in 2024 and was immediately elected Chairperson because of her extensive experience across diverse roles within the private, government, property and tertiary education sectors.
“I’m honoured to be re-elected and have the backing of an enthusiastic volunteer committee which has been fully supportive in my time in the position.
MSN is a dynamic not-for-profit organisation that assists young students experiencing significant socio-economic difficulties or family challenges in the Hunter Region.
Established in 2002 and incorporated in 2005, MSN’sprimary purpose is to be a successful not-for-profit organisation that offers financial scholarship programs that allow disadvantaged students in the Hunter Region the opportunity to complete their studies. In essence, MSN strives to remove inequality for students who have proven potential but who are held back by financial disadvantage.
MSN will hold its 2026 Presentation Ceremony on Tuesday May 5 at Newcastle Harness Racing Club’s function room during which 52 students will receive their scholarship certificates.
Julie said the 2026 AGM saw most members re-elected with the new committee comprising Keith Powell (Vice Chair), Christopher Cull {Treasurer), Coral McDonnell (Secretary), Allissa Arnold (Sponsorship), Helen Doust (Scholarships), Kate Forrester (Fundraising) and Gail Hamer (Membership).
Julie said Coral would step into the Secretary’s role in May after the the annual presentation ceremony.
“Coral will be taking over from Cheryl Watterson who has provided excellent service over the past three years and the whole committee thanks Cheryl for her dedication and behind-the-scenes running and governance of MSN.
“Luckily, Cheryl will remain involved behind the scenes,” said Julie.
“A new member on the committee is Geoff Wynn who has a wealth of experience in the school education sector and we look forward to Geoff further consolidating our communication with regional schools and trade colleges as part of our Scholarship Sub-committee.”
Julie is Principal of Composed which offers leadership coaching for senior executives and also strategic advisory counsel and workshop facilitation. She is a member of the NSW Divisional Council of the Property Council of Australia and holds the position of Chair of the Hunter Committee of the Property Council.
She said MSN was looking at our improving existing relationships with sponsors and donors whilst also focussing on a number of initiatives in 2026 that will support financially disadvantaged students in the Hunter Region.