Loretta Baker has played an integral role as a leader, mentor and advocate for the Maitland community for several decades.

The city’s first female mayor, from 2017 to 2021, she also served as a councillor for 16 years.

Beforehand, the Lorn resident worked as a community health nurse, supporting those with mental health and addiction issues, while implementing immunisation programs for local schools.

Passionate about arts, theatre and creatives, she was also instrumental in gaining much-needed traction for the Maitland Region Art Gallery.

So, it’s only fitting Maitland City Council’s inaugural International Women’s Day (IWD) Loretta Baker Scholarship is named after her.

Councillors unanimously supported the motion, proposed by Stephanie Fisher, at the final meeting of the last term.

The idea was to establish a perpetual grant to support the aspirations of locals in honour of Ms Baker and integrate it into the annual IWD program.

General manager Jeff Smith said the scholarship reflected council’s commitment to empowering women and fostering opportunities for future leaders.

“The $1,000 bursary celebrates the achievements and potential of young women in the Maitland LGA, supporting their goals in their chosen fields, like arts, culture, environment, business, local government, community, health or sport,” he added.

“By supporting them, we’re building stronger communities and praising their valuable contributions.”

Ms Baker called time as a Maitland councillor in 2024.

But, she’s proud to support the initiative.

“This scholarship is a meaningful way to celebrate the incredible women in our community and help them take the next step in achieving their goals,” she said.

Applications, which require character references and a personal statement describing how their goals align with the scholarship’s purpose, close on Sunday 9 February.

Shortlisted contenders will attend an International Women’s Day event in March, where council will announce the recipient.

For more information or to apply, visit mait.city/Loretta-Baker-Scholarship

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