The revamped scholarship has been awarded to three recipients, one from each of the port authority’s three regions, for the first time – with Celia Rollond, Ryan Hands and Jewel Fresher announced as the worthy recipients.
Southern Ports Chief Executive Officer Keith Wilks said nurturing regional talent through the Scholarship was part of the port authority’s commitment to creating enduring value as a trusted partner in its communities.
“It’s fantastic that we’ve been able to expand this scholarship in its third year to support more students from our regions pursue their dreams,” he said.
“Celia, Ryan and Jewel are great examples of the talent that exists within our regions, and they deserve every opportunity to maximise that talent.
“There are always extra costs associated with relocating from regional areas to attend university and this scholarship goes someway to helping level the playing field.”
Minister for Ports and Regional Development Stephen Dawson said the expanded scholarship demonstrated how ports can invest in young people and the future of regional communities.
“Young people in regional Western Australia should have every opportunity to pursue further study and build rewarding careers.”
“By expanding the Steve Lewis Regional Scholarship to support a student from each of Southern Ports’ three regions, more young people can access the support they need while undertaking their university studies.”
“Congratulations to Celia, Ryan and Jewel. I wish them every success with their studies and their future careers.”
The three recipients said surprise, relief and gratefulness were among their immediate reactions to finding out they had been awarded the scholarship.
Jewel found out during a class and said she was so excited she had to leave to call her mum immediately, while Ryan was “on a high” for the rest of the week after finding out.
Celia said the scholarship would provide opportunities that may have otherwise been inaccessible.
“I was just ecstatic because I see this as not only an opportunity but also a reward for the work I’ve put in,” she said.
The scholarship was open to applicants completing the first year of undergraduate Science and Engineering or Business and Law degree at Curtin University’s Bentley or Kalgoorlie campus.
Recipients are awarded a stipend of $6,250 per semester for up to four years of full-time study over the course of their degree.
The students all said they were looking forward to being able to better focus on their studies as well as enjoying the university experience after being awarded the scholarship.
“Moving to Perth and studying full-time while covering all my own living expenses through part-time work and limited government support has been a big financial commitment,” Jewel said.
“This scholarship will give me some much-needed breathing room and the opportunity to enjoy my university experience without constantly worrying about my financial situation.”
The scholarship is named in recognition of the significant legacy left behind by former Southern Ports Chief Executive Officer Steve Lewis.
Each year Mr Lewis sits on the panel that interviews applicants and awards the scholarship named in his honour.
“All the students we interviewed would have been worthy recipients and it was great to see each region represented,” Mr Lewis said.
“I think it’s a really great initiative from Southern Ports to have extended the scholarship so it could be awarded to a student from each region this year.”
The scholarship has been expanded in its third year having been initially awarded to a single scholarship recipient in 2024 and 2025.
