Newcastle and Hunter Region’s Mentor Support Network (MSN) has elected its Chairperson, Julie Rich, for a second term in the position.
Julie joined the not-for-profit organisation last year and was immediately elected Chairperson because of her vast experience across diverse roles within the private, government, property and tertiary education sectors.
MSN’s 2025 Annual General Meeting held yesterday (8 April) was unanimous in electing Julie as Chair for a second year to continue development plans that have been introduced in the past 12 months.
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’s primary purpose is to be a successful not-for-profit organisation that offers relevant scholarship programs (eg financial scholarships and mentoring assistance) 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.
“I’m very grateful to have the confidence of such an experienced and diverse committee at MSN which has been very supportive of me in the past year as we focus on supporting financially disadvantaged students entering their senior years of study,” said Julie.
“The 2025 AGM saw most members re-elected with the new committee comprising Keith Powell (Vice Chair), Cristopher Cull {Treasurer), Cheryl Watterson (Secretary), Allissa Arnold (Sponsorship), Helen Doust (Scholarships), Kate Forrester (Communication & Media) and Gail Hamer (Membership).
“A member of the past committee, Steve Gillan, did not seek re-election and we thank him for his work with MSN in the Hunter Region in the past three years. The good news is that Steve will continue to work behind the scenes and promote the valuable work of MSN.”
Julie is Principal of Compose Consulting which offers leadership coaching for emerging, middle and senior managers and also strategic advisory counsel on program governance frameworks, business cases, workshop facilitation and organisational strategy reviews. She was recently appointed as 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
Julie said MSN recently held a planning workshop to examine its existing business plan, opportunities and sustainability in developing a pathway to take it into 2026.
“We have introduced a new tiered sponsorship program, discussed a potential expansion of our scholarship program for students and looked at the structure of our sub-committees,” Julie explained.
“Importantly, we looked at our existing relationship with sponsors and donors and will continue our good work of supporting students in education in the Hunter Region.
“MSN has also adopted a new Mission Statement – To promote equity for senior students in the Hunter Region who show potential but are held back by financial disadvantage – which focusses our attention on the task ahead.”